20 Obvious Facts That A Lot of People Don’t Know
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For all of us trivia enthusiasts, general knowledge seekers, and history buffs, here’s a list of 20 fascinating facts that might surprise you! These facts are not only interesting but also a testament to the vastness and diversity of our world.
While some might seem obvious once you know them, many need to be aware of these interesting tidbits. Uncover some lesser-known truths about the world around us.
Sign Languages Are Unique Languages
Despite common misconceptions, sign languages are not direct translations of spoken languages into hand gestures.
They are complete and complex languages with grammatical rules and structures developed organically within deaf communities. For instance, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are distinct and not mutually intelligible. This diversity in sign languages reflects the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the deaf community.
“Antisocial” vs. “Asocial“
These terms often need clarification but have different meanings. “Antisocial” refers to behaviors that are hostile to society, while “asocial” means a lack of social interaction or interest in socializing.
Words with Different Stressed Syllables
Some words change their part of speech based on stress. For example, “record” (noun) vs. “record” (verb). Paying attention to stress can help in proper pronunciation and understanding.
UTI Symptoms in the Elderly
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, unlike the typical symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as burning during urination, the elderly may exhibit confusion, agitation, or hallucinations, which can be mistaken for dementia or related conditions.
Most Cats Are Lactose Intolerant
Contrary to what you might think, most cats cannot digest lactose properly. So, giving them milk can lead to stomach upset and other digestive issues. It’s like humans trying to digest something we’re not built for, but it doesn’t end well!
Most cats are lactose intolerant because they lack the enzyme (lactase) needed to digest the sugar in milk (lactose). This can make them unwell, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain (similar to lactose intolerance in humans).
Tear Ducts Drain Tears
Tear ducts do not produce tears; they drain them. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands located in the eye.
Mayo Clinic explains that the tear glands above each eyeball, known as the lacrimal glands, keep your eyes moist by producing tear fluid. When you blink, this fluid spreads across your eyes, and any extra fluid drains through the tear ducts into your nose.
“Fewer” vs. “Less“
Here’s a handy tip: ‘Fewer‘ is used for countable items that can be quantified (e.g., fewer apples), while ‘less‘ is used for uncountable things or abstract concepts (e.g., less kindness). This knowledge can help you communicate more effectively and confidently.
“Free Rein,” Not “Free Reign“
The correct phrase is “free rein,” which comes from horseback riding and means to allow someone to act freely. “Free reign” is a common but incorrect variation.
There’s a “D” in “Fridge” but Not in “Refrigerator“
While “fridge” includes a “d,” the longer form “refrigerator” does not. This is simply a quirk of how the abbreviation evolved in English.
Poison Dart Frogs
These colorful amphibians are only poisonous if they consume certain toxic insects in their natural environment. When raised in captivity on a non-toxic diet, they are safe to handle without risk of poisoning.
Pufferfish Are Filled with Water, Not Air
When pufferfish inflate, they fill their bodies with water to appear larger and more intimidating to predators, not usually air as commonly believed. They’re blowing themselves up like a balloon but with water instead of air!
Australian Ski Resorts
Contrary to the stereotype of Australia as a perpetually warm country, it has several ski resorts, mainly in the Snowy Mountains and Tasmania, which operate during the winter months.
Geographic Seasons
When it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa. This simple fact often surprises those who don’t consider the global perspective of seasons. I remember the first time I realized this; it was like a lightbulb moment- suddenly, the world seemed much smaller and more interconnected.
The tilt of Earth’s axis brings us the seasons! Winter kicks in when a hemisphere faces away from the Sun. Various cultures mark the start of winter on different dates; some even go by the weather.
All Froot Loops Have the Same Flavor
Despite their vibrant colors, all Froot Loops have the same flavor. This is an example of how visual experience can influence taste perception.
British Cow Accents
Research has shown that cows in different regions of the UK have distinct “moos,” akin to human regional accents.
Here’s a fun fact that might make you smile: Cows in different regions of the UK have distinct ‘moos,’ just like human regional accents! This quirky discovery in bovine linguistic research adds a touch of humor to our understanding of animal communication.
Horse Terminology
A baby horse is called a foal, while a pony is an adult horse of a specific height. This distinction is essential for understanding the development and classification of horses.
The Words “Laser” and “Scuba” Are Acronyms
“Laser” stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation,” and “Scuba” is an acronym for “Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.” Knowing these origins adds depth to everyday language.
When Getting an IV
When you receive an IV, the metal needle is removed after insertion, leaving just the flexible tubing inside your vein.
Dormitory and Laboratory
The origin of these words lies in their Latin roots. “Dormitory” comes from “dormitorium,” meaning a place for sleeping, while “laboratory” comes from “elaborate,” meaning a place for labor or work.
Covered Bridges
Covered bridges have roofs that protect the wooden structure from the elements, extending its lifespan by shielding it from rain and snow.
We hope these facts have sparked your curiosity and provided some delightful surprises! Do you have a lesser-known fact that you’d like to share? Or perhaps you’ve come across a fact that even surprised you? We’d love to hear from you. Drop them in the comments below, and let’s keep the knowledge flowing!
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