Planking
Origin
Planking is a participatory photo fad in which a person lies face-down, body stiff and arms at their sides like a wooden plank, in an unexpected or public location. Related to an earlier “Lying Down Game,” it exploded globally in 2011, especially in Australia and the UK. Participants competed to plank in ever more surprising or elaborate spots and shared the results on social media.
Meaning & usage
The appeal was the absurd juxtaposition of a rigid, deadpan pose against everyday or dramatic settings. It became one of the first mass “do it yourself and post it” photo crazes of the social-media era, spawning a string of imitator fads (owling, horsemaning, and more). It is remembered as a defining participatory meme of the early 2010s.
Notable examples
People planked on furniture, statues, vehicles, and landmarks. The craze drew heavy media coverage — along with safety warnings after some participants attempted risky locations.
Examples & gallery
Frequently asked
What is planking?
It is a photo fad of lying face-down and rigid like a plank in unusual places, then sharing the picture.
When was planking popular?
It peaked as a global craze in 2011, especially in Australia and the UK.
What came after planking?
It inspired a wave of follow-up photo fads like owling and horsemaning.
Sources
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