fresh fairtrade fathers day chocolates (…and the case of the missing apostrope)

One of those delightful seasonal conundrums. I'd plump for Father's Day, as it refers to one's own father (and most of us only have one of those, unless we're getting theological about it). But there's a lot to be said both for the plural possessive (it celebrates all fathers) and for omitting the apostrophe altogether (to avoid exactly this confusion).

The Guardian & Times online style guides both have the usage "Father's Day" (though don't give anything justification). Also, it's an American invention and the Americans seem universally to use the form "Father's".

So there you go... except that an interesting and persuasive online discussion plumps for losing the apostrophe: http://www.betterwritingskills.com/tip-w011.html.

Now if we call it "Daddy's Day", as some small children do, does that make a difference to the argument??

Posted on 10th Jun ’08 at 15:54 BST. Link

Yes, the Presidential proclamation of the holiday labels it "Father's Day":

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/06/20030613-8.html

Personally, I prefer the apostrophe after the s to signify the day belonging to all fathers. The fact is, though, that there is an argument for each case (apostrophe before / after / nowhere).

Now, Valentine's Day is a different matter. It is actually St. Valentine's Day, so it's about St. Valentine, but you could argue that it belongs to all valentines in the world.

Gosh darn this grammar malarkey!

Posted on 11th Jun ’08 at 23:16 BST. Link

I can never remember the appropriate use of the good old apostrophe!

Maybe I'll receive "eats, shoots and leaves" (the book that describes the correct use the apostrophe) for Fathers Day tomorrow?

Posted on 14th Jun ’08 at 17:10 BST. Link

John, "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" is a great read; highly recommended!

Posted on 7th Jul ’08 at 10:17 BST. Link