25+ Things You Didn’t Know About Everyday Objects!

3 years ago

The Beanie and It’s Friend

I know many of us have worn these fashion classics over and over, but I bet you didn’t know this about your favourite bobble hat. You might not realise it, (and neither did I) but did you know that your beloved beanie has a purpose other than keeping your head and ears all snug and warm when it's chilly outside?On the top of most beanies is a large fluffy bobble. This was developed by French marines who were stranded in boats for really long periods of time. The fluffy bobble was inserted to lessen the impact their heads would get if they were to bang their heads on the cabin. If you ask me, I think it's a brilliant idea.

Image Source / Pexels

The Toothpaste Colour Squares

In all fairness, I’d never actually realised that this was a thing. Have you ever seen the squares at the bottom of your toothpaste tube? I know, I know, we don’t all have time to examine our tubes whenever we brush our teeth. Many people believe that the colourful lines on toothpaste tubes are used to identify the type of toothpaste, however we have some bad news for you.Those colourful lines aren't quite as thrilling as you may actually think. There’s been many myths flying about the internet as to the source of these colours, yet in reality, they're only there to help the machine figure out where to cut and fold the tube. Technology, I know! How did we get here? Okay, okay, let’s go on...

Image Source / Quora

The Chupa Chup Stick

As a youngster, if you were anything like me, you undoubtedly enjoyed these tasty lollipops and would whistle your way through the day with the stick. While it may have been a legitimate use for the stick, and turned us all into excellent musicians, that was not the intended purpose of the hole in it. Believe it or not…It turns out that the little hole was designed expressly to make it difficult for the hard candy to fall off the stick and choke a child. I know, quite the more serious explanation than what was to be expected! I know that children can get their hands on and choke on just about anything else, but that's something I'm sure you didn't know!

Image Source / DOMTAR Newsroom

Keyboard Legs

With the amount of minutes, days and hours we spend sitting at computers, working tirelessly, hunchbacks, you’d think that we’d know the reasoning behind manufactural designs like these. Although you may have assumed that those legs were there to save your hands from being messed up as part of some clever ergonomic design, they are not. What they actually are…The hinge legs are actually only there to let you read the letters and numerals more clearly, without having to squint or get closer to the keys. I bet you didn’t know that? I’m sure that this information has been life changing for you… What a disappointment? Can’t they be entry ports to a secret compartment in your keyboard? That would be better! Anyway, NEXT!

Image Source / Reddit

Pant Creases

For this one, we'll have to transport you to the nineteenth century. Clothing had to be shipped in such big shipping containers back then, because travelling backwards and forwards was not as frequent as it is now. As a result, the garment maker had to figure out how to deliver the trousers to the customers without them leaving a million creases.So, that’s why workers started to learn how to fold pants away neatly. Not only does it save space and lessen creases, it means that people weren’t walking around as though they were pulled straight from the washing basket! Since then, most pants have been folded and creased in some way or another. Interesting fact for you. Right, let’s move on…

Image Source / Thrifty Fun

Backpack

Have you ever noticed that so many backpacks have that weird little diamond on them that looks like a face? Were you under the impression, like me, that it was only there for the sake of fashion? If you did, you were mistaken, as was I, and I’m here to explain you why it was created in the first place.The idea is a strange one, actually, and surprised me. The diamond was placed on backpacks so that climbers and hikers would be able to hook a rope to the loop and use it to hold it while they do other things. I know! Very surprising and niche… I wonder if climbers ever actually use it the way it was intended?

Image Source / Insider

Ballpoint Hole

Something I can guarantee every single one of us has used in the past… a ball point pen. Have you ever noticed the little hole at the top of the ballpoint pen? No, believe it or not, it’s not actually for blowing through. Even if you assumed the hole was there for no purpose, I can say you were incorrect.That hole, in fact, has a completely different purpose to the above and makes a whole lot of sense! It was created to aid ink flow. It operates by letting just enough air into the ink chamber. I bet you didn’t know that one. I wonder if you will think about it the next time you are writing lines in detention!

Image Source / Science Alert

The Spaghetti Spoon

If you’re anything like me, your favourite meal will be Spaghetti Bolognese and this tool will be your handy best friend. But have you ever noticed the whole in the ladle end? The hole in the middle of your spaghetti spoon isn't simply for letting water in. No, it has a brilliant use that I'm sure you were unaware of.The actual use of the hole makes so much sense. One dish of raw spaghetti noodles is precisely measured through that aperture. This is fantastic since you no longer have to guess how many noodles to prepare for the people you are cooking for. However, I’m sure we will continue to eyeball it and make way too much!

Image Source / Insider

The Blue Eraser

I think we all spent many hours scrubbing the blue end of our erasers of unwanted pen marks and inappropriate doodles on our maths text books (which we definitely never actually got rid of!). However, the eraser you believed was for erasing a pen isn't designed for that use at all. In fact, it had nothing to do with pen whatsoever…The blue end of the eraser was actually created with something else in mind. It was made so that pencil markings on graph paper were able to be erased easier. I know, not as interesting as we’d have hoped and I'm really sorry if I shattered your childhood dreams. After that, let's go on...

Image Source / ScoopWhoop

The Glass Ketchup Bottle

Do you struggle often to be able to get the right amount of ketchup from one of those glass ketchup bottles? For a few moments, nothing, and then a bath of red all over your chips and pizza! Well, what if I told you that you were simply pouring your ketchup wrong! It’s not meant to be used in that way…The actual trick to pouring the right amount of ketchup is much more simple than you think. Did you know that if you press the 57 button on your ketchup bottle, it should pour just the right quantity of ketchup for your salty fries? See, what did I tell you, simple! Although, I’m not sure why this wasn’t common knowledge before!

Image Source / The Sun

The Rear View Mirror Tab

I think we can all agree that this tab’s only use should be for your fruity smelling car freshener or a pair of those fabulous fluffy dice. But what if I told you that this actually wasn’t the intended use for the tab (I know, shocking). It is in fact something much more practical than for hanging our pleasantries!Why don’t you give this a go when you’re next out on the road. The switch is actually between day and night mode and is flicked using the tab. It helps prevent you from being blinded by the light from the automobile behind you. I wish I’d have known this earlier! It would’ve saved me a squinting all this time.

Image Source / Gear Patrol

Tic-Tac Tub

One of the elite snacks, I think we can all agree. Popping these bad boys when you were younger would give you high street cred. But when it came to sharing with your friends, it was always hard to just let them have one. When you’d tap the tub over their hand, they’d get more than what you bargained for!And now you will be able to give them all just one like they deserve! Did you know that when the lid is flipped over, the little place on the lid is designed to trap just one tic-tac. Are you aware of this? If so, why didn’t you share your knowledge sooner, you could’ve saved us a whole load of tic-tacs.

Image Source / Lifehacker Australia

Vehicle Headrest

Now, vehicle headrests are obviously a must in every car you see. No matter the shape and size, I think we all know that the primary purpose for having this item in your vehicle is self-evident. Protecting our heads. However, there is a secret purpose for them that you may need one day to save your life. If you want to know…If ever you get into an accident and are stuck for ways to escape, you can try removing the vehicle headrest. Once you’ve managed to get this out successfully, use the metal legs and smash the glass with the things. It may take some force but that’ll be your escape route. Take note of this as you may one day need it! (God forbid).

Image Source / Auto Josh

Gas Pump Gauge

You may think that the point in the gas pump gauge is obvious – to measure the amount of gas you are using. However, if you thought this then you would be very wrong. I think you’ll find the purpose of these gauges is not to measure anything at all! The purpose is in fact very different to what we think.In the event that you are not paying anywhere near enough attention than you should be, this is where the hose will disconnect if you neglect to remove the pump from your gas tank before driving away, keeping the entire system from collapsing and exploding. I don’t know about you but I’m very glad that this is a precaution!

Image Source / iStock

Plastic Cup Lids

On a very hot summer’s day, there honestly is nothing better than having a nice cold lemonade. I think we’ve all had one of these cups once or twice in our lifetimes, and they are for holding our favourite beverages. The lid may appear to be nothing more than an ordinary lid, yet they serve a far more important purpose.If ever you’re in the position where the condensation from the side of the cup is ruining whatever surface you are on, just do this simple trick. If you remove the lid, you may use it as a coaster for your drink. Absolutely genius if you ask me! Will you be using this trick in the future, because I think I will be!

Image Source / Mental Floss

The Panties Truth

Even though we all have worn panties in our lives, I bet you didn’t actually know this about them. The type of material that can be used in underwear is regulated by legislation (obviously nobody wants itchy underwear!). It should be made of a softer substance than the rest of the product where it will come into contact with your private parts.You might have noticed a little pocket in your underpants there. No, it wasn't designed for you to put your money or anything else in! It’s actually there so that the fabric is more comfortable against our more sensitive regions. In reality, couldn’t the whole panties be made from this material too? Why just this little part.

Image Source / Medium

Punt of the Bottle

Now, to be honest, I’ve never given it much thought. Whenever there’s wine in front of me, I’m only thinking of one thing. How fast can I get it down me?! Someone pointed this out to me recently, and I had no clue what this one was designed for. The punt is the dimple at the bottom of your wine bottle.Now, it’s actually quite simple and makes a lot of sense! I bet you could actually guess what it’s there for. The punt's purpose is to keep the bottle balanced and allow it to stand up straight. Obviously, nobody would want to cry over spilled wine. Instead, I like mine with a punt at the bottom so none can go to waste!

Image Source / Decanter

Padlock Hole

I’ve never actually noticed that this was a thing before, I used to believe that here is where the lock could be picked from when I was a kid. I didn’t really put much thought into it and it really wouldn’t make sense to have a place where the lock could be picked! Talk about defeating the object. Anyway… did you know what it’s actually for?When a lock begins to grow rusty and old it might stop working or turning as well. So the little whole here is for you to be able to lubricate the lock without having to break the lock apart! Who’d have guessed that? Definitely not me! So next time you try to pick a lock using the little hole, think again will you!

Image Source / Quizzclub

Soda Can Tab

Coke from a can definitely just hits different, you know what I mean? But sometimes drinking it with no straw can make your teeth feel nasty! Did you know that the tab on your soda can actually serves a genuine purpose? And no, it wasn't designed for you to break off and fly across the room at some random target.That was a lot of fun, but it's not the right way to utilise it. In actual fact, just by spinning the tab over (not too hard as to remove it) you can put your straw in the hole and it will keep your straw in place! Who’d have guessed? The next time I’m sinking a six pack of Cokes I will definitely be using this trick.

Image Source / The Sun

Soda Cap

Have you ever noticed the little bit of plastic at the end of your bottle cap when you are drinking your drink? Although we recall this as the location where we could check to see if we had won anything (which we never did), its true purpose is rather different. I really do think that this fact might genuinely change your life…If you didn’t guess this already, then the actual purpose of that small plastic disc is to protect the beverage from turning flat. Don’t ask me how this actually works, but apparently it does! Nobody likes a flat beverage after all, do they? Well, I don’t know about you but I’m certainly relieved that we found out this fact.

Image Source / Wikimedia Scaled

The iPhone

So you’re taking pics of yourself, feeling like the bad b**** you are, and you notice… what is that little hole next to the camera lens? Have you even noticed it's presence? It’s a little black dot that can be found on almost all iPhones. Well, it’s presence is actually much more useful than you think it would be!I thought that maybe it would be a kind of zooming tool, however I was wrong. It is, after all, a microphone. Yes, that’s right, the little black dot is hearing everything you are saying! The latest iPhones, it turns out, contain around five microphones. So if you think that you’re not being listened to, think again!

Image Source / Tech Caption

Plastic Coffee Lids

Sometimes these are pressed down, and sometimes they aren’t but have you ever noticed the little plastic buttons on hot drink lids? I know, I know, you’re not really looking for them but I’ve always been confused as to what these were for, and as to why not everywhere presses them down. And no, before you ask the buttons aren't braille for the blind!In actuality, and probably a lot of people already know this fact (so if you do, feel free to skip ahead), the buttons serve a very practical purpose. Those buttons are there to let you figure out what sort of coffee you're drinking. So, if you were drinking a hot chocolate and confused as to why it tastes like a cappuccino, then more than likely you’ve picked up the wrong cup.

Image Source / Detpak

Beer Bottle

Now, as I mentioned earlier with the wine bottle, I do not spend too long dwelling over the manufacturing of these things. Instead, I’m always thinking about how fast I can sink the bottle and move onto the next! But, have you ever wondered why a beer bottle is shaped the way it is? The beer bottle's neck serves two purposes.Well, if you have, then look no further because I have the answers! The first benefit is actually self-evident: it makes it easy to hold. Obviously nobody wants a beer bottle slipping from their hands while they’re trying to have a good time. The second is to assist in keeping the beer cool while in your hands. A nice cold bev!

Image Source / Univerre

Ice Cream Scoop Handles

Right, so I’m aware that we all probably spend much longer looking at the delicious variety of flavours in front of us, but have you ever taken a moment to stop and look at the ice cream scoop handles? Have you ever noticed how many various different hues ice cream scoops can come in? We’re talking yellow, blue, red, purple…I actually believed that the reasoning for this was to use specific scoops for specific ice creams, as to avoid any allergies cross contamination. This would’ve made a lot of sense, wouldn’t it? However, I was actually wrong. They're designed in this way to assist you in determining the scoop's size. So servers can easily determine the size without having to stare at them!

Image Source / Taizhou Harsoul

T-shirt

Now, I never actually thought there could be more than one purpose for this one. Have you ever noticed the little loop that comes on shirts and t-shirts? Well, you’ll be surprised to find out that this one may also be used in two ways. The first thing you should do is hang the clothing up. Obviously, duh, this is clearly what they were made for!The second is very interesting and was something that men used to do a long time ago. I’m so glad I found this out but also feel like I definitely don’t need to know this fact about shirt loops! If they were already seeing someone, they would cut it off. Who would have guessed? Next time you see someone with theirs’ cut off, give them an ask.

Image Source / Today Show

The Mini Jean Pocket

You may have noticed that many denim jeans feature a fifth pocket, which is a small additional pocket on the side. While millions of people have discovered dozens of uses for it, ranging from keeping folded banknotes to putting away a tube of lip balm, this little pocket was really intended with one object in mind… what do you think it was?Well, give yourself a pat on the back if you guessed correctly… the pocket watch! In the mid-1800s, gold miners in California wore jeans, and one of the most significant objects they carried was their pocket watch, which was usually delicate and expensive. The fifth pocket was created to keep their valuable pocket watches safe and secure by tucking them in tightly.

Image Source / HelloGiggles

Jean Rivets

Yes, all of those little metal rivets in your jeans serve a purpose, believe it or not. They are purposefully secured in locations where jeans used to come apart, not only to create a fashion statement. While denim jeans are now more popular because of the way they make our butts appear, they were once popular among the working class.So this counts for people such as farmers, miners, ranchers, workers, and others. They used to put rivets where they were most likely to rip apart to give their work garments some more life and protect them from ripping apart at the seams! Well, what a thoughtful and very practical thing to introduce. I never knew that about my jeans. Kudos!

Image Source / Denim Hunters

Tape Measuring Machines

The ultra convenient tape measurers found in hardware stores nowadays are familiar to almost absolutely everyone. They appear to be rather self-evident. A long, flexible band of measuring tape with a metal end that you can keep in place pulls out from a roll. Most people are startled to find, however, that the metal tab serves two additional important functions.But I bet you didn’t know about these: the broad hole on the metal piece is meant to loop over a nail head, allowing you to keep the measurer in place while making your lines. (Well that makes sense). Additionally, one side of the same metal tab has a serrated edge that you may use to gently press and mark a board where you want the end to be.

Image Source / Apartment Therapy

Ridge pattern on coins

Have you ever wondered why dimes and quarters have rough edges whereas nickles and pennies have smooth edges? You're right to be curious, since there's a valid reason for it. Coins were made from various types of metal cast in various weights that represented the coin's genuine value back in the day. One ounce of silver, for example, was used to make one silver dollar.People began cutting the edges off coins to save them for later melting into new ones, and they would spend the shaved coins at face value, even though they were no longer worth anything. To avoid this, coin minters began employing a rigorous design only on the precious metal coins, so that a person could easily tell if a coin had been shaven.

Image Source / Business Insider

Mini Fabric Squares

When you’re feeling great and buying yourself a brand new shirt, slacks, or even underwear, it frequently comes with a little Ziploc bag containing a button and around one square inch of matching fabric? Don’t you think the reason self-evident? Well, if you were like me, you would’ve thought it was obvious! A button in case one slips off while you're not looking…and the fabric in case you need to mend a minor hole in your clothes. This is a wonderful application for the fabric swatch, but it's only a side effect. The fabric's true purpose is to allow you to test your cleaning goods on it to ensure that they won't damage it. We know what you're thinking: your mind is blown!