Hidden Stories Behind Features On Everyday Objects

🤯 The top of a Tic Tac container…

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“Eat Tic Tacs the right way or don’t eat them at all,” that’s what I say! Ok, I don’t really say that, but did you know that all Tic Tac containers were designed to dispense one Tic Tac at a time? That certainly explains the tiny indentation on the lid which is shaped exactly like the candy. Most of us just lift the tab up and shake the container a couple of times until six of these fresh minty treats fall into the palm of our hands. 🤯


🥤 Lids on Starbucks to-go cups (and many other restaurant to-go cups)…

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The lids of many restaurant cups can double as coasters. Just flip them upside down and set the cup on them. It will keep your cup from dripping all over the place and could help prevent a mess. 🥤


🍞 Those multi-colored bread tags…

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If you collect bread tags for some odd reason, you might have noticed that they come in different colors. It turns out that the color tags indicate the day the bread was delivered. So, if you need to know how fresh your bread is, all you have to do is look at the color tag. 🍞


⚡️ Those little hooks on Apple laptop chargers…

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The little wings on an Apple charger can be flipped up to wind the cord, keeping it tangle-free in your bag. ⚡️


🛒 That loop on the back of a grocery cart…

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The grocery cart, of all things we use in our day to day life, should certainly be the most self-explanatory, or at least one would think. Sometimes the purpose of everyday items gets lost amongst its main function, which in this instance is to carry your groceries around while you shop. The manufacturers of these seemingly basic carts are more forward-thinking than we’ve given them credit for, though. While even our checkers and baggers don’t know it, there is a purpose behind those metal loops that frame the top fold-out section of our grocery carts; to hang your bags with light items like bread and eggs so they don’t get smashed among your heavier goods. Do your grocers a favor and show them how it’s done next time to make their lives easier. 🛒


🚗 Tiny rubber bumps on your tires…

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These little rubber bumps are so inconspicuous, you might never notice them unless checking the tread on your tire. Oddly enough, that is exactly what they are meant for. The little-raised edges inside the grooves of your tire’s tread are there to let you know when it’s time to change your tires. While many people still rely on the old penny head trick, an easy way to tell if you need to get to the tire shop is if the edges of your tread are even with the bumps. If they are, then you are driving on legally unsafe tires. If the edge is above that of the bump, you’re good to keep cruising for a while. 🚗


🎧 The different bands on plugs for audio equipment…

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The deep ridges or threads on audio-jacks aren’t just there for a tighter fit when plugged in. These bands are made of an insulating material used to protect the wires while the sound is being transmitted. Additionally, the number of bands indicates which end goes where. Three bands equate to one band per left and right ear, and the third band for grounding, and should be plugged into the stereo or amplifier, while 2 bands indicate the end that plugs into a device. 🎧


🔪 Bro, do you even know how Xacto Knifes work?

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Take a close look at the blade on your box cutter or utility knife. Notice the little score lines? You can break off the end of the blade to give yourself a fresh, sharp blade whenever you want. 🔪


🥶 You better believe there’s a reason for long neck bottles…

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Warm beer can be a total drag and ruin just about any drinking experience. And wouldn’t you know it, your own hand might be the beer-warming culprit. Carry the bottle by the neck instead to prevent the heat of your palm from affecting your brew! 🥶


👷‍♀️ Ohh, so THAT’s what that hole in elevator doors is for…

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No, it’s not a peephole for really tall people. When an elevator (or “lift” if you’re reading this in England) gets stuck, repairmen need some way to operate it manually. This is a keyhole that allows them to crank the door open and maybe save your life (whether the elevator is there or not.)


😳 That little pocket on women’s underwear…

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Many men would probably be surprised to learn that not all women know the specific purpose of the small pocket sewn into their panties! Although some women have been using them for storing tampons or other small, private items, this actually isn’t why it’s there. The ‘pocket’ is actually called a panty gusset, and was never intended to be a pocket. Rather, it is an extra piece of fabric sewn in for women’s hygiene and in the higher-end panties, the gusset is sewn completely shut. It becomes a ‘pocket’ when manufacturers are unwilling to spend the time and money to get those last few stitches in! 😳


💇‍♀️ Why is one side of a bobby pin all ziggy and zaggy like that?

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That’s an easy one! The grooved side is the bottom of the pin and should face toward the scalp. The grooves help the hairpin hold the hair better because hair tends to move around a lot and flat pins would fall out far more easily. 💇‍♀️


🥄 Want to eat some apple sauce but don’t have a spoon?  

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Ever pack applesauce for lunch and forget utensils? Like a goon, you probably poured it into your mouth. Next time, do a little twisting and shaping
with the foil lid—it can easily become a spoon! 🥄


🍫 Why do Toblerone bars have a triangle shape?

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I always thought there was a reason behind the triangle shape, and it turns out I was right! Since Toblerone is made in Switzerland, many believe the triangular shape is a shout out to the nearby Swiss Alps. WRONG! Actually, the design of the chocolate bar entirely function over form. Yes, the pieces are in triangles with just enough space between them so that if you press on one of them with your thumb, it will snap off easily and leave you with the perfect sized serving. 🍫


🍳 Why is there a hole in your pot handle?

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While these can be used to hang pots and pans on the wall, fun fact: they’re also perfect for holding spoons and ladles while cooking. No more messy kitchen counters for you! 🍳


🥾That extra hole in your boots…

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Attention hikers! Technically called “eyelets,” these are there to help you. If you loop your laces through them, then you tighten the shoe around your ankle and prevent the shoe from moving around. This, in turn, increases the stability of the shoe, decreases impact, and prevents your foot from moving around too much while climbing or descending hills and trails. 🥾


Sources: (1) The Outline (2)Denim Hunters (3)Evoke (4)History (5) Today
(6) Science Alert (7)Allstate (8)Insider (9) HuffPost
(10)Independent (11)Foodbeast (12)Hangerworld (13)That’s Life (14) Best Life (15)Today
(16)Marie Claire (17) US Tape (18)Insider (19)Business Insider (20)Wine Spectator (21) Metro (22) Reed & Mansfield (23) Shareably (24) Thurmaston Dental (25) New York Post (26) Tire Meets Road (27) Independent (28) CBS News (29) The List, YouTube (30) Travel & Leisure (31) Cosmopolitan (34) Life Hacker (35) Southern Living (36) Tip Hero (38) Geeksmate
(39)A&M Tyres (40) Soundguys

Jason Mustian

Jason is a Webby winning, Short-Award losing humor writer and businessman. He lives in Texas with his amazing wife and four sometimes amazing kids. All opinions are mine and very dumb.