Planking

Planking is an internet-based activity or fad, typically performed outdoors, where a person lies face down with their body rigid like a wooden plank, often in an unusual or precarious location. The goal is usually to be photographed while planking. It gained popularity in the late 2000s through social media, with participants often competing to find the most creative, dangerous, or amusing places to plank. The activity is primarily for amusement and often involves friends. However, the risks involved have led to warnings from authorities, as some planking attempts have resulted in serious injury or even death. It's considered a form of performance art that is primarily concerned with shock value, humor, and generating social media attention.

Planking meaning with examples

• Sarah decided to try planking on a narrow ledge of a building, snapping a photo before a crowd began to form. Her risky plank was posted on her Instagram, quickly going viral, and sparking a string of other building planks across her town.
• During a company retreat, the team decided to embrace the planking trend by having a competition. The winning submission was a picture of their CEO planking atop a parked RV, which quickly became an office joke.
• Despite warnings, a group of teenagers found a railway bridge to plank on, unfortunately leading to injuries after they were surprised by an unexpected train. The incident served as a grim reminder of the potential dangers.
• The humor in planking comes from its unexpectedness. A student went viral after planking on a professor's desk during a lecture. The resulting photo was shared and enjoyed as people appreciated the unexpected.
• In an attempt to recapture the viral popularity of planking, some brands attempted to involve it in their advertising campaigns. While some found the humor, others considered the attempt a shallow attempt to gain traction.