Pinch And A Punch For The First Of The Month

We all know that feeling when the first of the month rolls around. It’s a fresh start, a new page on the calendar, and often, the day your rent is due. But there’s a silly, secret little tradition that can make that morning a whole lot more fun: the pinch and a punch for the first of the month.

If you haven’t played this game since primary school, you’re missing out on a joyful kind of chaos. The idea is simple: you gently pinch someone (usually on the arm) and then give them a very light punch (on the shoulder) while shouting the phrase. It’s not about being mean—it’s about claiming first dibs on good luck for the next thirty days.

Why on earth would we do this?

Think of it as a playful superstition, like knocking on wood or avoiding a black cat. Some say the tradition dates back to ancient times, when people believed that pinching could ward off evil spirits. Others claim it’s a Victorian-era trick to make sure you’re the one starting the month with the upper hand.

But honestly, the real reason is much simpler: it’s hilarious. Imagine walking into the kitchen on a Tuesday morning, coffee in hand, and your partner sneaks up and delivers a quick “pinch and punch!” You jump, spill a little coffee, and then you’re both giggling before 7 a.m. That’s the magic of it.

The unwritten rules of the game

There are a few secret rules that make it even better. First, you have to say the whole phrase: “Pinch and a punch for the first of the month.” If you forget the words, it doesn’t count. Second, the recipient can retaliate—but only if they say “A pinch and a kick for being so quick!” before noon. It’s like a playful duel with no real wounds.

And here’s the gold standard: if you get pinched after noon, you’re allowed to shout “No returns!” and give a double pinch back. It sounds childish, and it is—but that’s exactly why it works. In a world full of grown-up worries, a little bit of childish nonsense is a welcome reset.

Real life examples that make you smile

My friend Mark once “pinch and punched” his boss during a Monday morning meeting. His boss, a stern older woman, froze for a second—then burst out laughing. Now their whole office does it. They have a “lucky pinch” tradition where whoever gets the first one buys coffee for the team. Team bonding, courtesy of a silly rhyme.

And then there’s my neighbor, Mrs. Higgins. She’s 78 years old, and every first of the month, she waits by her front door to catch her grandson on his way to school. She gives him a gentle pinch on the ear and a little tap on the shoulder, saying she’s “squeezing out the bad luck from last month.” He pretends to be annoyed, but he beams at her. It’s a tiny moment of connection that stretches across generations.

Why you should care (even if you’re a skeptic)

Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s just silly kid stuff.” And you’re right—it is. But here’s the thing: the first of the month can feel heavy. Bills, deadlines, resolutions. Pinch and punch turns that date into a tiny celebration. It gives you a reason to laugh, to touch another person playfully, and to start the month with a smile instead of a sigh.

Plus, it creates stories. You’ll remember the time you got caught by the mailman, or when your cat inadvertently became the target (trust me, my cat hates it). It’s free entertainment that costs nothing but a little courage to be silly.

How to join the fun

It’s easy. Set a reminder on your phone for the morning of the first. When you wake up, pinch and punch yourself if you live alone—yes, it works. Or text a friend a virtual “pinch and punch!” They’ll likely reply with a laugh, and you’ve started their day better.

If you’re in a shared house, warn your housemates the night before. Make it a game: whoever gets pinched last buys snacks for movie night. You can even adapt the tradition—some people do a “hug and a high-five” instead of a punch. The spirit is what counts.

And if someone forgets and you pinch them at lunchtime? Just remember the golden rule: no returns after noon—unless you want a double pinch of your own. It’s a system of delightful, low-stakes chaos.

The bottom line

Life is full of serious things. Pinch and a punch is a reminder that you can choose joy. It’s a tiny, weird, wonderful ritual that connects people across offices, kitchens, and schoolyards. So next time the first rolls around, don’t just sigh at your calendar. Find a friend, a coworker, or even a stranger (with permission, please), and deliver a playful, lucky pinch. You’ll probably get one back—and that’s the best part.

Now, go on. The first of the month is coming. Are you ready to pinch first, or will you be the one getting caught? Either way, you’ve got a smile heading your way.