STAYCATION
A staycation is a stay-at-home vacation.
It has been said that it was invented by the writers of the Canadian television comedy show Corner Gas in an episode broadcast in October 2005. However, the word appeared in print a little earlier, in an article in the Washington Post on 4 August 2005: “The city empties out. The commute becomes bearable. It’s the perfect time for a ‘staycation,’ to dig in those heels and enjoy the comforts of home: 300-thread-count sheets, stainless outdoor fire pit, well-stocked fridge.”
After a couple of appearances in 2007, the word became significantly more visible from March 2008 onwards, largely because of financial concerns as the economy weakened and the price of fuel increased. Other reasons were given in the Washington Times on 23 March: “Increasing concerns over the environment as well as the desire for more family time add to the staycation’s popularity.”
A person taking a staycation is sometimes called a staycationer.
It may well have unwittingly opened at the perfect time, as rising costs force more people to turn to the “staycation” — a holiday closer to home — and others shun the environmental evil that is air travel.
[Western Mail, Cardiff, 30 Aug. 2008]
It might not be a coincidence that big numbers are coming out to the free community shows this summer, the year of the so-called “staycation,” thanks to a rough economy. A bunch of small trips to the local park for some free music and a family night out may fill in nicely, to a degree, for traditional, more expensive outings.
[Oakland Tribune, 10 Aug. 2008]
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Last updated 6 Sep 2008
