Scotch Tape Day is observed worldwide every January 31 to commemorate the invention of Scotch tape, a well-known brand of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The day honors Richard Gurley Drew, who created Scotch tape in 1930 while working for 3M. This invention stemmed from his observations in auto shops, where painters struggled with traditional tapes that damaged fresh paint. The term "Scotch" was initially used pejoratively to describe the tape's adhesive quality, but it became synonymous with the product. Scotch tape gained popularity during the Great Depression as people utilized it to repair household items instead of replacing them. Today, the term "Scotch tape" is often used generically for PSA tape in the United States and other countries, reflecting its widespread use and significance.