EVERYDAY ENIGMAS

10 Common Things You Didn't Know Had Names

Credit: Zhen H

Human language gives us the wonderful ability to name stuff. Calling things by their name allows us to communicate with each other and get our daily tasks done; that's why the lexicon is so important when learning a language.

However, there are some things we see and use every day that often escape our attention. Do you know what to call the little fleshy portion between your nose and your upper lip? And what about those plastic tips at the ends of your shoelaces? Believe it or not, all these things have a name.

Today, we're going to tell you about 10 common things with uncommon names.

Credit: Ludemeula Fernandes

Whether you're a dog person or a cat person, get ready to be charmed by this term. Vibrissae, the lesser-known name for what we dub as whiskers, grace the faces of nearly all mammals.

But these vibrissae aren't just cute; they play crucial roles in an animal's life, serving as tools for locomotion and exploration. Essentially, they're super-sensors that allow your furry friend to perceive and navigate its surroundings.

There are already too many cats named "Whiskers," so if you want to be truly original, here you have a name for your next pet.

Credit: Timothy Dykes

We humans have integrated the function performed by whiskers into our brains, specifically the somatosensory cortex.

Now, imagine if you did have whiskers; do you know the name of that part of your face where they would be? When you make a duck face for a selfie, you're not only pouting your lips, you're also moving the philtrum, that space between your nose and upper lip.

The philtrum is different in each person; it is longer in some people and shorter in others. Additionally, the length of the philtrum is significantly increased with age. Embrace the distinctive charm of your philtrum. After all, it's one of those remarkable details that makes you uniquely you!

Credit: Jaizer Capangpangan

Mastering the art of tying shoelaces is a childhood milestone that becomes an everyday task as the years go by.

While the act of tying may seem simple, the intricate dance of threading laces through the tiny holes in your new sneakers is a bit more complex. Well, this activity would be a lot more difficult without the aglets, those plastic or metal tips at the end of the laces.

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Lemniscate is the technical name for what we know as the infinity symbol. We bet that many people are discovering the true name of their tattoo with this word.

The brilliance of the infinity symbol lies in its accuracy, as it allows you to transit its curve endlessly. It's a visual representation of exploration without limits, symbolizing boundless possibilities and perpetual journeys along its shape.

Credit: Diana Vyshniakova

If you are one of those who enjoy a good glass of wine, you'll find this information interesting.

Wine bottles usually have this kind of indent at the base, which is known as a punt in the world of winemakers. While skeptics may argue that the purpose of the punt is to create the illusion of more liquid in the bottle, the truth is that a deeper punt usually indicates a higher-quality wine. So next time you go to the supermarket, you know which part of the bottle to check! It might provide a valuable clue!

Credit: Engin Akyurt

This word may be related to the previous one. Are you familiar with that sick feeling after drinking or eating too much? If you reached the punt of the bottle yesterday, chances are you're experiencing a touch of crapulence today, which is that unpleasant feeling or discomfort.

Consider it as your body's way of sending you a crystal-clear message: maybe a bit less next time!

Credit: Liv Bruce

Forget about unpleasant sensations. Now, we move on to the world of pure joy!

Rain is a divisive topic; some people love it, others hate it. Yet, there's a universal delight that most of us enjoy: the smell that comes from the wet soil after a rainy day. Besides smelling it, you can also name it. That scent is called petrichor, and it's produced by bacteria.

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This word is borrowed from French and is rightly defined as "careless handwriting."

Sometimes, reading a doctor's prescription feels like cracking a secret code. But here's the interesting part: If you show a doctor a prescription written by a colleague, they will probably decipher it perfectly. Perhaps there's a mysterious class on griffonage at medical school.

Credit: Kelly Sikkema

Your daily coffee ritual, that blend of flavor and warmth, wouldn't be complete without this humble hero: the zarf. If you're a coffee lover, you know what we're talking about. That seemingly simple piece of paper or cardboard isn't just an accessory; it's your trusty zarf. It has a very important function: to keep you from burning your hands, ensuring each sip is a safe delight.

Credit: Luís Perdigão

This funny word represents very well what it stands for: the ringing of bells. The term has its roots in the Latin verb tintinnare, an onomatopoeic word. Much like "click," "clap," "whisper," and "tinkle," tintinnare is an imitation of the sound it represents. Onomatopoeias bring words to life, giving them the power to evoke sensations, emotions, images, and sounds in the minds of those who listen.