Everyday objects can be more surprising than we realise. Here are some quirky and fascinating facts about things you use all the time!
Your Keyboard Layout Was Designed to Slow You Down: The QWERTY keyboard layout wasn’t built for speed. It was designed to prevent typewriters from jamming by spacing out frequently used letters.
Refrigerators Work by Removing Heat, Not Adding Cold: Contrary to popular belief, refrigerators don’t “add cold air.” Instead, they pull heat out of the food and air inside the fridge, lowering the temperature.
Why Some Watches Display 10:10 in Ads: When photographed, watches are often set to 10:10 because the hands create a symmetrical “smile” shape. This makes the watch look more aesthetically pleasing.
The Average Pencil Can Write 45,000 Words: A single pencil has enough graphite to write up to 45,000 words or draw a line that’s 35 miles long. That’s a lot of writing for such a simple tool!
Bubble Wrap Was Meant to Be Wallpaper: Bubble wrap, now a popular packaging material, was initially invented as a textured wallpaper in 1957. When it failed to catch on, its creators repurposed it for protecting fragile items.
Tea Bags Were Accidentally Invented: Tea bags were actually created by mistake. In 1908, tea merchant Thomas Sullivan sent out samples of tea in small silk bags, and customers mistakenly steeped the entire bag in water instead of removing the tea leaves. The idea quickly caught on, and tea bags became a common household item.
The Little Bumps on Your Keyboard’s F and J Keys Help You Type: The raised bumps on the F and J keys on computer keyboards help your fingers find the “home row” without looking, making it easier to type faster and more accurately.
Bubble Gum Is Pink for a Reason: The first bubble gum, invented in 1928, was pink because red dye was the only food coloring available to the inventor. When diluted, it created a pink color. The color stuck, and now pink is the classic bubble gum hue!
Those “Extra” Shoelace Holes Are for Preventing Blisters: The additional lace holes near the ankle on running shoes are called “heel lock holes.” They help tighten the shoe around your ankle to prevent slipping and blisters during physical activity.
Duct Tape Was Originally Made for WWII: Soldiers Duct tape, one of the most versatile tools today, was invented during World War II to help soldiers waterproof ammunition cases. Its strength and durability soon made it a must-have item for all kinds of repairs, from home fixes to creative projects.