This week Shauna admits to being a Night Owl as your hosts delve into the history of the phrase. Bonus: Cyclical fashions, Ginormoustest moons, and Dan knows more about owls than even he realized
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Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 287: Night Owl
Record Date: June 30, 2025
Air Date: July 30, 2025
Intro
Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.
I’m Dan Pugh
Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison
Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.
Opening Hook
I’ve always been one to stay up late. There’s just something about the way things feel at night. And while I enjoy being awake before the sun comes up, I’ve always found it easier to just stay up all night than to go to bed early and rise early. My family has always called me a night owl.
Meaning
According to Cambridge Dictionary, night owl means:
Quote
a person who prefers to be awake and active at night
End quote
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/night-owl
Night owl didn’t start out as a figurative term.
Oxford English Dictionary tells us that a night owl is,
Quote
An owl which is active at night.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/night-owl_n?tab=meaning_and_use#34867976
Okay, not a huge difference there.
1581
One of the earliest attestations for the term appears in James Bell's translation of Against Jerome Osorius, by Walter Haddon and John Foxe, published in 1581.
Quote
that like night owles you are starke blynd in the midday
End quote
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A02464.0001.001?rgn=main;view=fulltext
This uses night owles metaphorically to describe people stumbling or unable to see.
a1616
The phrase appears in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, likely written around 1601-1616 and published posthumously in the First Folio of 1623.
Quote
Shall wee rowze the night-Owle in a Catch?
End Quote
https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/twelfth-night/read/2/3/
In this scene, Sir Toby Belch, a notorious late-night reveler, proposes they keep the music and merrymaking going late into the night. The “night owl” here likely refers to a fellow reveler or the spirit of the night itself. The tone is rowdy, festive, and unbothered by propriety. It’s very Shakespearean.
A "catch" at this time was a specific type of round or canon—a multipart vocal song where each singer enters at different times with the same melody, creating overlapping harmonies… think, ‘Row, row, row your boat’.
1691
The phrase appears in a satirical ballad titled The Vindication of Top-Knots, included in the Bagford Ballads, a collection of English street ballads compiled by John Bagford in 1691 for the Earl of Oxford. The ballad pokes fun at contemporary fashion trends and social behaviors in Restoration England.
Quote
The Fops and the Fools, like silly Night-Owls,
They prate, and they talk of their Top-Knots
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Bagford_Ballads_Illustrating_the_Las/GntQdM0NCkEC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=owls
This ballad has some really fun lines in and we’re going to look at the rest of the lyrics in our behind the scenes which airs each Friday. You can find it at Patreon.com/BunnyTrailsPod
1701
The phrase appears in The Works of Mr. Francis Beaumont, and Mr. John Fletcher published in 1701, in a dialogue between two characters.
Quote
Look, we are Friends, there's Gold for thee, admit
Whom I will have, and keep it from my Don;
And I will make thee richer than thou'rt wife:
Thou shalt be my Bawd, and my Officer;
Thy Children shall eat still, my good Night Owl,
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Works_of_Mr_Francis_Beaumont_and_Mr/6TYVAAAAQAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22night+owl%22&pg=PA425&printsec=frontcover
Night owl is used as a direct form of address… and it’s used within the context of a larger promise of protection and reward. We can’t know the exact intention of this attribution but the term is clearly used in a figurative sense.
1807
The term was used in a political commentary in the New Hampshire gazette, published May 26, 1807, out of New Hampshire, US.
Quote
However “warm federalism” is placed by Burr’s conspiracy, rather than in an awkward situation.
Federalism has been the cover under which every thing venomous and traitorous has sheltered itself-
Under the wings of federalism, the bats, the nigh-owls, the birds of prey nestled and brooded.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025588/1807-05-26/ed-1/seq-1/#date1=1800&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=night+night-owls+owls&proxdistance=5&date2=1825&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=night+owls&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
Here, “nigh-owls” is grouped with other creatures of the night to suggest secrecy, danger, and subversion. It’s used metaphorically to criticize those hiding questionable motives under the guise of political alignment.
And this theme isn’t singular to this usage. I encountered a few references to night owl as a representation of secrecy or hidden behaviors. The majority of those instances were used in political commentary.
1894
The phrase appears in The Providence News, January 20, 1894, out of Rhode Island, US in a segment titled The Theatres' Round about the Westminster Theater.
Quote
“The Night Owls,” Bobby Manchester’s aggregation of female beauty, will be at the Westminster theater next week... The closing burlesque entitled “Liberty’s Reception to Uncle Sam” will bring out the entire strength of the company in a sightly spectacle.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn91070630/1894-01-20/ed-1/seq-5/#date1=1850&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=NIGHT+Night+Owls+OWLS&proxdistance=5&date2=1900&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=night+owls&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
Here, “The Night Owls” is the name of a theatrical company known for late performances, playing on the common association of night owls with nighttime activity and entertainment.
1899
The phrase appears in The Oasis, August 19, 1899, out of Arizona, US sharing a piece from the Mexican Herald.
Quote
The “night owls” are having some bitter experiences. Distressing scenes are presented about 3 o’clock every morning at “La America” and “El Bosque” cantinas. With fearful punctuality all the doors are shut tight on the stroke of the hour, and a policeman takes a stand at every door to see that nobody gains access.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85032933/1899-08-19/ed-1/seq-6/#date1=1850&index=1&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=night+owls&proxdistance=5&date2=1900&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=night+owls&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
Clearly, the night owls are people who are out late… whether night owls are generally considered ne’er-do-wells or just people who are out when it’s late, is not specified.
1935
The phrase appears in The Nome Daily Nugget, October 19, 1935, out of Alaska, US in the comic The Featherheads. Two men are walking and chatting. One invites the other inside, who explains his wife is out at a musical, saying,
Quote
can she find reasons to go out nights!!!
So... she’s another one of these women who want to be night owls?
Well—she has an idea she is a butterfly—But the way she goes through my clothes when she gets home she’s more like a moth.”
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87062014/1935-10-19/ed-1/seq-6/#date1=1918&index=3&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=NIGHT+owls&proxdistance=5&date2=1937&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=night+owls&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
While the husband is expressing his frustration with her late-night behavior... they don't seem to imply anything except that she's just out enjoying music.
We have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.
A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses
1979
Gerry Rafferty’s 1979 album Night Owl provides a rather complex emotional experience for many. From the Gerry Rafferty website,
Quote
The title track “Night Owl” blends a memorable, top 30 melody with a pitiless self-portrait of an artist using alcohol to blur the edges of a world in which what is real, and valuable, is sometimes effusive.
End quote
https://www.gerryrafferty.com/night-owl
Here are some of the lyrics from that song,
Quote
Night comes down and finds you alone
In a space and time of your own
Lost in dreams in a world full of shadows
Down the street the neon light shines
Offering refuge and hope to the blind
You stumble in with no thought of tomorrow
Yes, I get a little lonely when the sun gets low
And I end up looking for somewhere to go
Yes, I should know better but I can't say no
End quote
https://youtu.be/4vTnff0pkgs?si=SbxaGTGz20cFTD1m
It feels very raw. I really like this song.
2004
Night Owl is a drawing by Keith J Woodward of the United Kingdom featured on SaatchiArt. It was originally created in 2004. The artists description reads,
Quote
Drawing in black coloured pencil on cartridge paper. Depicting Liz and Sam writing and playing songs long into the early hours.
End quote
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Drawing-Night-Owl/1837506/8740973/view
The drawing depicts a women sitting with her legs folded to one side and back while she plays a guitar, a pet… either cat or small dog lying next to her on the bed.
2016
The phrase appears in the watercolor painting Nightowls… by Will Bullas, uploaded March 29, 2016. The artist offers the description,
Quote
This is the smart crowd...
End quote
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/nightowls-will-bullas.html
The artwork shows anthropomorphized owls sitting at a bar inside a corner shop, drinks in front of them. It plays on the double meaning of “night owls” as both literal owls and people who stay out late… it frames them as witty or cultured late-night regulars.
2022
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise was published in 2022. It started the series of illustrated books about Knight Owl and his friends. Here is the synopsis from the publisher,
Quote
A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart.
Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.
Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn.
End quote
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/christopher-denise/knight-owl-caldecott-honor-book/9780316310628/?lens=little-brown-books-for-young-readers
Knight Owl might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s an owl in a tiny suit of armor, carrying a little spear.
2024
Is It Better to Be a Night Owl or Early Bird? is an article published on Healthline, written by Steph Coelho, Certified Personal Trainer. The article discusses the various aspects of these two chronotypes - chrono referring to time. It was last updated in October 2024. Here is a little snippet,
Quote
What makes someone a night owl or early bird?
A 2020 study found that your genetics may help explain whether you favor the morning (early bird) or evening (night owl). Circadian rhythms might also play a part in determining your sleep chronotype.
Chronotype does not automatically translate to sleep duration, so sleeping for a longer period of time does not necessarily make you a night owl.
End quote
https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/night-owl-vs-early-bird
Well, I’m definitely a night owl and I’m comforted that the amount of sleep one gets is not a determining factor. This was an interesting article and not a terribly long read. Bottom line… getting enough quality sleep is really important for health and wellness.
Current
Andrew Gonzalez founded Night Owl because he was always craving sweets while staying up late studying for exams. Here’s what he says on his website,
Quote
MY NAME IS ANDREW G., AND I'M THE MAN BEHIND THE COOKIES. EVER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER, I'VE BEEN AN AVID SWEETS (AND FOOD) JUNKIE. WHEN I WAS ABOUT 20 YEARS OLD, I BEGAN COMING UP WITH IDEAS TO ENHANCE THE MIAMI DESSERT SCENE. WHAT I CAME UP WITH WAS SWEET AND WARM (PUN INTENDED). I WANTED TO DELIVER WARM HOME-MADE COOKIES TO MY COMMUNITY. WITH THE HELP OF SOCIAL MEDIA, FOOD BLOGGERS, AND MEDIA OUTLETS, MY CONCEPT GREW!
WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OUR NIGHT OWLS HAVE GIVEN US, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO BAKING MORE MEMORIES.
#SEIZETHENIGHT
End quote
https://nightowlcookieco.com/pages/current-flavors
It’s a genius idea, really. I can’t believe there aren’t more places around like this.
Current
Night Owl Shows features performances with titles such as The Rise of the Eagles, Bob Dylan Under Cover, The Legend of Queen, and more. Here is a little about them from their website,
Quote
Led by producer/performer Dan Clews, Night Owl Shows presents groundbreaking and informative productions depicting the lives of some of the most influential singer songwriters of the 20th Century. Night Owl Shows approaches its subjects with respect, passion and integrity, bringing a whole new angle to the tribute genre. We are genuine fans of the artists whose music and lives we portray, and we do so with a love for their music that comes through in every performance.
End quote
https://www.nightowlshows.com/
I love things like this… where you get a peak inside the lives of stars. Musicians tend to lead these other-worldly lives, filled with big risks, big rewards, and some big losses. It’s fascinating to learn about a piece of their lives, told in story form by other professional musicians.
Wrap up:
I’ve always liked the term night owl. There’s something familiar and quietly flattering about it… as if staying up late is not just a habit, but a kind of understanding. A little bit mysterious. A little bit outside the ordinary rhythm. What surprised me, though, was how long the phrase has been circling around… used for drinkers, schemers, and occasional fools… before settling into its cozy modern sense. Today, being a night owl might just mean you’re most yourself after the sun goes down. But the old meanings still echo. There’s a hint of mischief in it, and I think that’s part of what I like about it.
Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included, reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod, or comment on our website, bunnytrailspod.com
Dan:
It’s poll time!
Recently we asked our Patrons, You get one utensil to eat with for the next year. What do you pick?
The ever-convenient Spork came in first place followed by mostly even votes for Fork, Knife, and Spoon. Knork, however, didn’t get any love.
Jan said:
Quote
Spork seems the most useful on the list. You could do soup and salad in the same meal and just hope you don’t encounter a well-done steak.
End Quote
Shauna:
JGP said:
Quote
I've never heard of a knork before and having now looked it up, I have to say that the idea of using a fork/knife combination utensil would most likely result in me maiming myself so I think I'll just stick to the spoon for soups and the like and accept being thought to have terrible table manners by using my fingers for eating everything else.
End Quote
Heather said:
Quote
Spork seems the most efficient, but what about chopsticks? You could still drink from a bowl
End Quote
I’m totally with Heather on this one… chopsticks are the best. You can eat all foods with them, you can cook with them. They’d be my choice.
Dan:
Spork feels superior, but the ones I've known break easy. Knife feels like the most versatile. But I can cut food with my teeth. Spoon sounds good, but I can slurp from a bowl for soups. I think I'll go with knife because I may cut raw things prior to eating and I don't want to do that with my teeth.
As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!
Outro
Dan:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,
Together:
Words belong to their users.
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