It is my birthday! This is the vanity post as promised. On the recent update, bassbait suggested a list of my favorite things, which appealed to me as it would hopefully also partly be a list of things people don’t know about me (another suggested list by witcharachne). So, aside from the obvious things that I love such as raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens (just kidding – I hate whiskers on kittens) here are ten of my favorite things.

The Winner: Top 10 Places You Don’t Want to Visit
The Runners Up: Everything on this list, Top 10 Clowns you don’t want to Mess With

It was tough picking between the clowns list and the places list, but the places list wins because it caused a bit of controversy. Shortly after it was published I got a call from a Canadian paper, based in one of the towns on the list (the one with the Asbestos Mine) – they seemed a little pissed that I had said you don’t want to visit their town. My favorite entry on the list is the Alnwick Poison Gardens, as it combines the bizarre and the forbidden – two of my favorite topics.

The Winner: Alfred Schnittke
The Runners Up: Charles Ives, Bach, Verdi

Alfred Schnittke was a Russian-German composer whose music I discovered when I was in Music school, as a teen. I first saw his Concerto Gross 2, and was blown away by the power and the unusual style. Interestingly, he has some similarities to Charles Ives with his use of pastiche and polytonality. The clip above is typical of his style. Schnittke died in 1998. I love Ives because his music is so unique and groundbreaking in its time. I especially love his Concorde Sonata, which I try (dismally) to play on the piano – I only have some success with one of the movements. And Bach I like because when he was writing there were no real rules to music, and, despite this, he managed to make music that will be remembered forever.

The Winner: Rorate Caeli
The Runners Up: Basenotes, eGullet, BBC News

I actually spend very little time on the web for entertainment – most of my web use is on Listverse (which I have not counted for this item as it is most obviously my favorite), with the rest of it being sites dealing with our accounts (marketing and advertising). So, for the runners up, I have listed the sites that I spend most time on when I do use the web for entertainment. As for the winning site, Rorate Caeli, I visit that every morning once – I skim the articles and read a few of the comments, if the article is of interest. It is a news website for traditionally minded Catholics, and, often, is first to come out with interesting or new articles from around the world. The writers are all very honest and they always seem to pick stories I find interesting. Incidentally, the Latin words “Rorate Caeli (or coeli)” are the first words of the Book of Isaias: “Rorate coeli desuper et nubes pluant justum” which means: “Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just”. The clip above is a Gregorian chant version of it.

The Winner: Marlon Brando
The Runners Up: Jared Leto, Christian Bale, Edward Norton, Leonardo DiCaprio, James Dean

Marlon Brando is widely considered the greatest movie actor of all time – he was so good that James Dean chased him about trying to get him to give him some training. Brando is absolutely amazing in a Streetcar Named Desire, and went from strength to strength throughout his career – no one will dispute his role in the Godfather was one of the best ever on film. As for my runners up, Jared Leto is good in everything – even the slightly boring film about the guy that killed John Lennon, Christian Bale has been amazing even as a kid in Empire of the Sun, DiCaprio is really an excellent actor even if you don’t like his personality or choice of films (namely, Titanic), James Dean is hard not to like, and Edward Norton is quirky but great.

The Winner: Bentley Mulsanne
The Runners Up: Chrysler 300C

It takes more than two months to make a Bentley Mulsanne, of which 50% is handcrafted. The Mulsanne was released this year and it replaces my previous favorite, the discontinued Bentley Arnage. Customers who can afford the $350,000 price tag have a choice of 114 paint colors, 21 carpet colors, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, and are able to specify a custom color scheme. I have always loved Bentley’s (the new models, not the old) and would love to own one one day. In the meantime, I am content with the runner up car, the Chrysler 300C, which is what I currently own.

The Winner: Lonestar Memories by Tauer
The Runners Up: Millesime Imperial By Creed, Attar Homage by Amouage

A website I really like reading is Basenotes – it is an online community of men and women who rate aftershaves and perfumes. Since I was a kid, I followed in my big brother’s footsteps by loving lots of different aftershaves – so this is a good way for me to learn about new ones. All three of the ones listed above are my favorites, and all three I discovered through Basenotes. Lonestar Memories is a love/hate aftershave – it is very strong and very masculine, but over the day it softens a lot. Millesime Imperial was the first one I bought on the list (which is why it is only a runner up) and it is a much fresher smell – more suited for going to the gym. Homage is the most expensive (at $350 for a tiny bottle) but it takes a field of roses to make. It is very possibly the nicest smelling aftershave in the world – but only my third favorite because it really takes a special occasion to wear it. It is typical of the new French-style perfumes coming from the Middle East with exotic ingredients.

The Winner: Anything by Michael Haneke
The Runners Up: All entries on this list

At present I am watching the films of Michael Haneke – an Austrian Director. I bought a box set of his DVDs recently because I saw the US remake (also by Haneke) of his original, Funny Games. As I go through the box set, I have not been disappointed at all by any of the movies. Code Unknown (starring Juliette Binoche) is my favorite, so far (it tells the story of several characters whose lives intertwine – a common theme for movies) though his most famous film is probably The Piano Teacher. If you haven’t seen anything by him, you definitely should. Here is the box set I bought if you want to buy it, and here is Code Unknown.

The Winner: X-Factor (UK)
The Runners Up: Great British Menu, Masterchef (UK), Glee, The Sarah Silverman Show

Wow – did I just confess that Glee is one of my favorite shows? The X-Factor is Simon Cowell’s British version of American Idol, and it has been running since 2004. It was the show that launched the career of Leona Lewis. I prefer the X-Factor to American Idol because the judges (and voting public) allow a much greater number of quirky people to get through the audition process, and when the contestants are chosen they all go to the judge’s houses for a bootcamp – so we get to see how Cowell and the other judges live. The selection of TV shows above is really about all I ever watch – I record what I want to see (or download it) and that is the only time I have the TV on. So this entry is not just my favorite TV shows, but my entire TV viewing at present. The clip above is my favorite auditionee this year – she is absolutely crazy! Note: in the X Factor the contestants audition in front of the judges and a huge audience.

The Winner: MGMTThe Runners Up: The Script, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Muse

I can’t remember when I first heard MGMT but, the moment I did, I loved their sound. The music is so easy to sing along with, and very quirky and upbeat. If you haven’t heard them before be sure to listen to the clip above – they really are very good. I heard Arctic Monkeys and Muse on the UK show Top of the Pops, and liked them immediately, so I downloaded their albums. I tend to listen to the Muse more than Arctic Monkeys now, and think the last AM album was not very good, so I haven’t bothered to buy it. And for the record, I buy all my music at the iTunes store – I don’t download it free

The Winner: French Cheese
The Runners Up: Roast

I really surprised myself when I realized that there are only two foods that I go crazy for – the two listed above. I have always been a fan of French cheeses (my favorites being Roquefort – a salty blue vein – and Pont L’Eveque – a strong smelling, brie-like cheese). When I am dieting I can happily avoid anything (I haven’t eaten takeaways in six months) but the one thing I can’t resist is cheese and crackers. I always have some when I see it. As for roasts, when I have a day off my diet I always have a roast – usually chicken, beef, lamb, pork or veal, with all the usual trimmings of gravy, roast potatoes, pumpkin (or carrots), and a green vegetable (at present often Brussels Sprouts as they are in season). I have been known to have a roast every day of the week (perhaps the reason for my original need to diet!)

You don’t hear about mass hysteria often these days, but most of us know the term and have a general sense of the meaning. In very simple terms most of us would probably describe it as a condition where everyone goes a little crazy at the same time. There have been cases in the past of outbreaks of dancing sickness, for instance. 

Every year in the modern world at Halloween we trot out the myth of tampered Halloween candy. It has almost no basis in fact whatsoever but causes extreme paranoia among parents and a deluge of articles from the media about this thing which isn’t real and is arguably another example of annual mass hysteria.

How is it that whole groups of people can go a little loopy in the same way at the same time?  There can’t be no cause at all, right? Something has to cause it and damn it, we are here to get to the bottom of it. Let’s find out just how mass hysteria happens in the first place.

What is Mass Hysteria?

Mass hysteria is a condition characterized by a group of people all feeling sick or exhibiting similar symptoms when there is no physical or environmental reason or cause for the sickness. The word hysteria comes from the Greek word for womb and speaks to how, for generations, this was considered a condition that only affected women. It’s also where the word hysterical comes from, as in “stop being hysterical!” 

The fact is that it can affect both men and women but women and girls do seem more susceptible to it. For as yet unexplained reasons, cheerleaders are especially susceptible. The reasons for that are still unclear but it may be due to the fact that women are more conditioned to suppress stress than men, to not act out or be aggressive. That can potentially make it manifest in other ways, such as what has been called mass hysteria. 

Because of that ingrained sexism, the term is more properly known these days as mass psychogenic illness. That’s defined as “a social phenomenon, that consists of collective anxiety due to a perceived threat and can culminate in a cascade of symptoms suggestive of organic disease without an identifiable cause.”

In simple terms, psychogenic illness happens when you think something has happened. You may think you are exposed to an illness or a toxin, or that an event has occurred even though it has not. We’ll cover some examples that have nothing to do with sickness at all, but rather things groups of people believe they were seeing or experiencing that just didn’t happen. 

One of the key components of a psychogenic illness and how it plays out is that the people involved would not normally behave that way. In psychological terms, it’s similar to how mob mentality works. In large groups, people can act contrary to how they would as individuals. Part of this is because, when you’re part of a group, you do lose touch with your individuality to a degree. There is also a loss of self-awareness and a heightening of emotions. In crowds, these are usually intense emotions. You’re going to be excited, maybe even angry, or fearful. The emotions of a crowd tend to feed the crowd and that can lead to negative consequences.

There are examples of mass hysteria dating back hundreds of years. They occur all over the world and there don’t seem to be any barriers to cultures or groups which are going to be susceptible to it.

What Causes a Mass Psychogenic Illness?

One of the hardest things to do when it comes to explaining a mass psychogenic illness is to account for what caused it in the first place. Because a mass psychogenic illness can take the form of people thinking they’re sick with a disease to thinking that there’s a monkey man loose in town, killing people, it’s hard to say there’s one specific trigger.

For instance, a group of people could be exposed to an unusual smell and think they are now infected by some kind of toxin as happened at a Tennessee school in 1998. As we mentioned in the earlier definition, a perceived threat can be all that it is. So that could be thinking that a virus has been released or even that aliens are loose, a monster is in town, or the government is being illegally overthrown.

In 2014 in Colombia, there was an epidemic among pre-teen and teen girls that lasted for months. 240 girls were hospitalized with symptoms that ranged from nausea to dizziness to fainting and convulsions. The locals decided it must be a side effect of the Gardasil vaccine and protested. But the President assured the people it was not because that has literally happened nowhere else. The real culprit? Mass psychogenic illness. 

These girls had an honest belief that they were sick, it’s not fakery or deception in any way. Their symptoms are real but the illness is entirely psychological and transmitted through psychological means. 

Victims are usually near one another – schools, workplaces, and things that force you to be together with others. Physical symptoms usually involve fainting or seizures but also nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, and so on.

Data suggests a psychogenic illness will start with one person and then is most likely to spread to people who see them afflicted and know them well. If the first person is considered high status, such as a very popular student at school, it will affect even more people. 

That school in Tennessee was thoroughly investigated as were the people who fell ill. No toxic agent was ever identified, but the investigation showed that most victims saw another person get sick and then began to feel sick themselves. 

In May 2006, a group of hundreds of teens in Portugal all reported illness including a rash, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. The cause was determined to be “Strawberries with Sugar,” a popular teen drama TV series in which the same thing had just happened as a storyline. 

Anxiety seems to be a major trigger for mass psychogenic disorder. The more stress you’re under, the more things around you that cause worry, the more susceptible you’ll be. In fact, the condition is sometimes called “conversion disorder” as stress or trauma are converted into physical symptoms.  If you see other people falling ill, if you or your world is in a time of great upheaval or stress like the end of the school year and exams for those kids in Portugal, it can exacerbate the situation and allow it to take hold more easily.  

The cause of the anxiety can also be very culturally significant. For instance, in African nations, you’re more likely to see a fear of the devil or evil spirits being behind what causes it. In the West, it can be a fear of chemical spills, toxic fumes, and other more tangible things of that nature.

Mass Hysteria, Mass Suggestion, and Bad Media

In the modern world, mass suggestion and mass hysteria are spread more easily than they were in the past. Where many instances back throughout history had to take place out of school, convent, or something like that, now we can all be linked by the media so the spread of an illness that may not be real can happen that much more easily.

In 2021, German researchers discovered that social media was actually helping to spread a mass psychogenic outbreak of Tourette’s Syndrome, or at least what sufferers thought was Tourettes. Videos from Instagram, TikTok, and other social media sites began to spread after one initial video of a person who seemed to exaggerate their symptoms, intentionally or otherwise, went viral. That happened in Germany but another outbreak was linked to a Canadian TikToker with Tourette’s, as well.

After that first video, there was a sharp rise in people going to see doctors with concerns about Tourettes but many of them displayed identical tics to the viral video, including the same vocal tics which were all unusual like “fries” and “Heil Hitler.” The tics only displayed when the afflicted were being asked to do things they didn’t want to do. Since none of the symptoms matched how Tourette’s actually manifests, it was soon ruled out and a new diagnosis was made – mass social media-induced illness.

Other conditions, like dissociative identity disorder, have also seen an increase in self-diagnosis thanks to TikTok trends that draw in billions of views. Teens see these videos, identify something they can relate to, and then may begin to manifest more symptoms based on what they’ve seen. Bipolar disorder and various autism spectrum disorders also can manifest in this way. 

In 2016, the media helped spread the story of a woman hallucinating people trying to take the roof off of her car. They reported that the responding officer as well as others who had contact with the woman all began to hallucinate as well. People were hospitalized and the local ER was put under quarantine. One story told of doctors baffled by the mystery illness spread by touch. Another headline said doctors confirmed the spread by touch but the article never says that at all. 

In reality, there had been no quarantine at all. Anyone who went into the ER was released soon after. There were not five people having hallucinations at all, just one. Others had vaguely flu-like symptoms including someone who recently was exposed to the flu. But the story spread quickly and was reported as far away as the Philippines. Most of the information came from the first article to report on it as breaking news with no actual quotes from involved sources and much of the info seems to have been exaggerated or just made up. 

Examples of Mass Hysteria in History

In recent history, one of the most well-known cases of psychogenic illness seems to be Havana Syndrome. Dozens of people, usually employees of the US Government stationed at embassies around the world, reported similar symptoms after the first outbreak in 2017. Dizziness, ringing in the ears, confusion, fatigue, etc. No physical cause has ever been found.

In 2016 parts of America and even beyond were gripped by a clown panic, a belief that sinister clowns were trying to lure children into the woods. Nothing was ever confirmed but soon there were sightings of clowns in multiple states. This was exacerbated by people dressing up as clowns to just stand around in cities. They didn’t do anything, but it fueled the fire that clowns were doing dangerous things. 

In 1999, mass hysteria over tainted Coca-Cola in Belgium caused the company to dump hundreds of millions of dollars in product even though nothing was wrong with it. The problem with a psychogenic illness is that the symptoms are real, the people are very sane, and it is hard to convince a person that they are not sick when they are literally sick. Tell someone that they’re imagining things they know to be real and they just won’t believe you. 

The Satanic Panic of the ’80s was a widespread case of mass hysteria that became so pervasive it’s still part of pop culture and influences movies and shows like Stranger Things. People were convinced Satan worship was everywhere and there were cases of serious abuse accusations and ruined lives and innocent people were convicted of horrible crimes that never happened at all, they were only imagined.

Back in 1837, London saw the rise of Spring-Heeled Jack, which still exists as a cryptid to this day. Stories of a sinister being with fierce claws who could leap across rooftops spread across the city. Women claim to have been attacked, and a man was even arrested but ultimately not convicted because the victim claimed he could breathe fire when the man in custody could not. 

America had its Salem witch trials which were also the result of mass hysteria, religious fewer, and probably a bit of good, old-fashioned hatefulness. The end result was the same, however. Innocent people being accused of horrible crimes and even being executed for them.

Anytime you have a group of people together during a stressful situation, which can be as simple as the stress of school to as complex as the stress of a pandemic, religious oppression, or some other societal ills, you have a prime breeding ground for a potential mass psychogenic illness. If you’re keeping track, that means anytime, anywhere. And the fact is, these do happen frequently, all over the world. Often they’re small and isolated and we don’t hear about them, but if you ever come across a situation where a mystery illness is spreading and there doesn’t seem to be any cause, keep in mind that things may not be any more complicated than that.

The toys and games we grow up with play a major role in our childhoods and development. Whether it was an addictive board game, a customizable doll, or a remote-controlled vehicle, kids’ toys have come in all shapes and sizes. However, toy manufacturers don’t always hit the mark and sometimes release products that stir up trouble. Whether they were made with dangerous material or resulted in an unfortunate accident, these are ten children’s toys that got taken off the market. 

10. Aqua Dots

Aqua Dots was a simple but charming concept, small plastic dots that you could turn into an art piece with just a spray of water. Simply put the small orbs in the special mold in the shape or image of your choice, spritz it with some water, and the dots will stick together. The concept almost felt partway between Lego bricks and Play-Doh, a toy for kids who like to sculpt or build things. The commercial outlined all the toys’ upsides but neglected to mention its one unfortunate pitfall. 

Aqua Dots soon found itself in hot water when several children consumed the dots not long after its release, resulting in hospitalizations. The adhesive, meant to glue the dots together, when consumed resulted in dizziness, vomiting, and even prolonged states of unconsciousness. 

The toys’ manufacturer, Spin Factory, ended up paying over 1 million in civil penalties for failing to report the dangerous nature of the Aqua Dots and for selling a banned hazardous substance. The product was swiftly yanked from toy shelves, preventing other children from any more toxic reactions. 

9. Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kids

As children’s toys have evolved, there has been a great effort by companies to make dolls and action figures as interactive as possible. Whether it was giving dolls voice boxes to allow for verbal interactions with kids or adding other features like swimming or even eating.

It was the latter that unfortunately landed Mattel’s then-newly minted line of Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kids in trouble. The Cabbage Patch Kids have been a juggernaut within the toy world since they arrived in 1978, dazzling kids with their cute and huggable designs. As the years went on, an effort was made to push the doll in new directions, resulting in some hits and some definite misfires. The Snacktime variants were most definitely a misfire, as its eating feature, meant for the plastic food it was packaged with, resulted in several kids getting hurt. Not only could the doll not tell the difference between plastic and a child’s fingers, but it would gobble up hair as well.

This resulted in the toy being recalled, with later releases needing a printed warning for parents and children to see. Following this, Mattel opted to scrap the toy entirely and offer a 40 dollar refund to anyone who’d bought it. 

8. Sky Dancers

If you ever want to grab a child’s interest quickly, presenting them with a flying toy is usually a perfect way to do it. Whether it’s a remote-controlled airplane or a parachuting army man, make a toy that can soar through the air, and kids will start lining up. 

Galoob put this notion into practice when they created Sky Dancers in the mid-90s, dolls with foam wings and a pull-string base. All you needed to do was load the doll onto the base, pull the string and it would be propelled into the air with its wings spinning like propellers. This feature, combined with the dolls’ colorful designs, made for a visually dazzling toy, as well as a short-lived animated series.

Unfortunately, Sky Dancers soon proved that they were as potentially deadly as they were pretty, resulting in a slew of child inquiries. By the mid-00s, Galoob had bit slammed with 170 reports of Sky Dancers hitting kids in the face, eyes, mouth, and torso, resulting in broken teeth, cracked ribs, and facial lacerations. This resulted in nearly 10,000,000 units being yanked from store shelves, with the Sky Dancers brand remaining dead until it was relaunched in 2005.

7. Moon Shoes

Trampolines are a time-tested way to get kids jumping for joy, pun most definitely intended, with many companies taking the concept in fascinating directions. Moon Shoes had their start in the 1950s, albeit made out of metal and stiff coil springs. The idea was that you could clamp them onto your normal shoes like roller skates and bounce your way around. 

Lack of practicality aside, the idea seemed to strike a chord with some people, as it lasted long enough for a relaunch in the 1990s. This time around, the toy was retooled with high-density plastic, adjustable velcro straps, and bungee-like springs, as opposed to harsh metal pieces. While safer when compared to its metal counterpart from the 50s, the concept was still flawed from the jump, pun once again intended. 

While never outright recalled like other toys, Moon Shoes still resulted in kids tripping, falling, scraping their knees, spraining their ankles, and getting all banged up. While a nifty idea on paper, the concept simply wasn’t practical or even enjoyable enough to become a sustainable toy brand. So ultimately Moon Shoes were banned, making them another curious oddity of yesteryear that people look back on with humor and regret. 

6. Easy-Bake Ovens

For many young girls, the Hasbro Easy-Bake Oven was a true game changer and one of the coolest ideas to ever hit toy shelves. The concept was simple, a small oven that kids could use to make different kinds of snacks in the comfort of their playrooms. Kids definitely loved them because the concept survived beyond the 1960s and well into the 2000s, resulting in several generations enjoying the Easy-Bake brand. 

Sadly, when you give young children what’s essentially a small oven, sooner or later a child is going to feel the heat. In 2006, Hasbro opted to redesign the Easy-Bake Oven, dropping the long-running push-through design in favor of a front-loading one. This soon proved to be an epic mistake, as this redux resulted in several children getting their hands or fingers caught in the oven door, resulting in painful burns! One injury was so severe that it resulted in a 5-year-old girl needing a partial finger amputation following her Easy-Bake injury.

Any Easy-Bake Oven with the front-loading design was recalled from stores, with a safer model soon taking its place. Nowadays, Easy-Bake Ovens remain a staple of Hasbro’s products and still have a place in the hearts of those who’ve grown up with it.

5. Lawn Darts

If anything can be learned from this compilation of recalled playthings, it’s that toys have truly come in all shapes and sizes over the decades. Lawn Darts emerged in the 1950s when toy manufacturers thought that the classic bar game could be reworked into a family game you could play at home. Very quickly, Lawn Darts, or jarts as some would call them, quickly caught on as a fun game for the family and neighborhood get-togethers. 

The idea was simple, the players would attempt to throw the metal-tipped darts into a ring on the lawn, the goal being to get as many rings in as possible. However, as you might be able to deduce on your own, a metal spike that you throw through the air would present some definite safety issues. Even as far back as the 70s, the FDA was classifying the sharp-pointed lawn darts as mechanical hazards, noting the product’s potential to cause injury.

This fear became a reality when, in 1987, 7-year-old Michelle Snow was killed by a lawn dart that was thrown by one of her brother’s friends during an outdoor playdate. This, on top of countless other reports of Lawn Dart-related issues, resulted in the toy being banned, with re-selling of the older version being deemed illegal. 

4. Aqua Leisure Baby Floats

Teaching children to swim from a young age is very important and a trend that toy companies have been more than happy to capitalize on. From shark and superhero-themed swimwear to pool noodles to boogie boards, toy companies have been more than happy to help facilitate Summertime fun in the pool. These pool toys have even been made so that even infants and toddlers can get in on the fun in a safe way. 

However, not every infant-aimed pool toy has gone according to plan, with some coming with some unfortunate built-in problems. The Aqua Leisure Baby Floats were created by Aqua-Leisure Industries Inc. as a way to safely keep babies and toddlers afloat, much like a stroller on water. A fun concept for sure, but it seems that the Aqua-Leisure team needed to beta test their idea a bit more before release. 

Per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “The leg holes in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into the water and possibly drown.” Thankfully there were no reported injuries or deaths of any infants, but it was still determined that Aqua Leisure Baby Floats were far too dangerous to be kept in stock. 

3. Kinder Surprise

This one stands out as a bit of an outlier among this list, as Kinder Surprise Eggs aren’t toys per se. More accurately, they are a milk chocolate egg with a plastic capsule inside that, went opened up, reveals a small toy. 

The Kinder brand is owned by the Italian company Ferrero, the same people behind Ferrero chocolates, and has an interesting backstory. On Easter, in many Italian families, it’s not uncommon for adults to gift children chocolate eggs that have a toy inside, so this was meant to replicate that tradition. Since its debut in 1974, the product has gone on to become a favorite of kids and adults, at least for the ones that could legally obtain it. It seems that a chocolate egg with an unedible toy nestled inside of it doesn’t fly in the United States the same way that it does in Italy. 

Simply put, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prevents the sale of any candy item with a toy inside of it. This meant that any Kinder Eggs brought into the USA were considered to be illegal imports and couldn’t officially be sold in stores. Over in the United Kingdom, 3 families unfortunately lost children as a result of them choking on the toy, resulting in their swift withdrawal from the European Union.

2. Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper

As previously mentioned, toy safety, especially when infants and toddlers are involved, is something that should be taken very seriously. It’s certainly something Fisher-Price should’ve taken more seriously when they released the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper back in 2009.

The Rock ’n Play was initially received quite well, helping parents get their babies to bed via its rocking and vibration features, as well as its music-playing capabilities. However, after a decade on the market, the Rock ’n Play was revealed to have resulted in approximately 100 infant deaths. It was later learned that Fisher-Price had only consulted with one family doctor regarding its safety and had conducted no clinical research. Upon investigation, it became clear that many of the deaths were the result of infants rolling onto their stomachs and being smothered by the Rock ‘n Play’s padding.

All of this resulted in the Rock ‘n Play being recalled en masse back in 2019, a full ten years after its original release. To this day, the product is still floating around on third-party websites and even some daycares, many unaware of its dangerous potential. 

1. Austin Magic Pistol

Standards for what is acceptable in kids’ toys have changed a lot since the 1900s, with safety and political correctness playing a major role in the transition. For example, nowadays if a child wants a toy gun, they’ll likely be given either a brightly colored water gun or a cartoonish space ray with a few LED lights on it. 

However, back in the late 1940s, kids had the Austin Magic Pistol, a toy that wouldn’t stand a chance of being greenlit today. Feelings on guns and gun safety, especially back then, were far different, with many having zero qualms about giving children weapons. This meant that something like the Austin Magic Pistol was made readily available for a brief time without issue. The gun would fire a ping pong ball with a chemical reaction between calcium carbide and water which resulted in a fireball!

This would be enough to get the toy classified as a legitimate firearm in most states, and yet it was a favorite for many kids. Soon enough though, cooler heads prevailed and the Austin Magic Pistol was removed from shelves. While never officially recalled, the Pistol is a prime example of the kinds of toys that we just don’t see in stores anymore, and for good reason. 

While the internet is often seen as a global resource, not all websites are available to users worldwide. Due to cultural, political, or regulatory reasons, several well-known U.S. websites are restricted or banned in certain countries, blocking millions from accessing content that many Americans take for granted. From social media platforms to major news outlets, these websites have been shut out in regions where governments are wary of their influence or content.

This list delves into ten popular U.S. websites that have faced bans or heavy restrictions around the world.

Related: 10 Pop Songs Banned by Governments

10 Facebook

Facebook, one of the world’s largest social media platforms, has been banned in several countries, most notably China and Iran, and is partially restricted in North Korea. In China, Facebook was blocked in 2009 following the Urumqi riots, with the government claiming that the platform was being used to organize anti-government activities and spread unrest. The Chinese government maintains a high degree of control over its citizens’ access to information, fearing that platforms like Facebook could be used to criticize the government or organize protests.

Instead of Facebook, Chinese users have access to local alternatives like WeChat and Weibo, both of which are monitored and regulated by Chinese authorities. WeChat serves as an all-encompassing app for communication, payments, and social networking, allowing the government tighter control over digital activities. For the Chinese government, restricting Facebook and encouraging the use of homegrown apps helps maintain social stability and allows for greater oversight of citizens’ online interactions.^[1]

9 YouTube

YouTube, the go-to platform for video content, has faced bans and heavy restrictions in countries such as China, North Korea, and, at times, Pakistan. Pakistan initially banned YouTube in 2012 after the release of the controversial video Innocence of Muslims, which was deemed offensive to Islam and led to violent protests across the country. Pakistan eventually lifted the ban in 2016 after Google assured the government it would remove certain offensive content. In China, YouTube is banned entirely as part of the government’s broader censorship efforts, which aim to control politically sensitive information. Recently, even Russia has begun efforts to ban YouTube.

In countries where YouTube is restricted, local alternatives often take its place. For example, in Pakistan, the government actively monitors video content, and apps like Dailymotion or Vimeo serve as popular substitutes. In China, domestic platforms like Youku and Bilibili provide similar content, albeit with heavy censorship. These local platforms allow governments to filter and regulate video content more effectively, which is essential in regions where online media is tightly controlled to maintain government narratives.^[2]

8 Twitter/X

Twitter… uh, X, known for its fast-paced, open platform, is banned or heavily restricted in several countries, including China, North Korea, and, until recently, Nigeria. In China, Twitter has been banned since 2009, with the government citing the platform’s potential to incite social unrest. China’s authorities are wary of Twitter’s ability to rapidly spread information and its appeal for organizing protests. North Korea, on the other hand, blocks Twitter entirely as part of its policy of isolating citizens from outside influences. Brazil has also recently banned X in a feud with Elon Musk over political content on the platform.

During Nigeria’s ban on Twitter in 2021, the government cited the platform’s alleged interference in Nigerian domestic issues after Twitter removed a controversial tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigeria eventually lifted the ban after Twitter agreed to certain conditions. In China, Sina Weibo functions as the country’s answer to Twitter, but with stringent monitoring and censorship. This reliance on domestic alternatives allows governments to offer a similar service while ensuring that posts align with national interests and narratives.^[3]

7 Google Search

Google Search is one of the most widely used search engines globally, but it has been banned in China since 2010. The Chinese government initially allowed Google to operate in a heavily censored form, but Google decided to withdraw after refusing to comply with demands to censor search results further. This move followed a series of cyber-attacks allegedly targeting human rights activists’ Gmail accounts, which led to increased tensions between Google and the Chinese government. China’s decision to ban Google Search is part of its strategy to control the flow of information within the country.

Since then, Baidu has become China’s most popular search engine, offering a similar service but within the government’s strict regulatory framework. Baidu censors’ results were related to sensitive topics, such as the Tiananmen Square protests and the Tibetan and Taiwan independence movements. The ban on Google Search underscores China’s commitment to keeping information flows in check and promoting domestic platforms that are more compliant with government interests, showing how censorship shapes even the most basic internet functions. ^[4]

6 Wikipedia

Wikipedia, the world’s largest open-source encyclopedia, has been banned or restricted in countries like Turkey (until recently) and China. Turkey banned Wikipedia in 2017, accusing it of hosting articles suggesting that Turkey supported terrorist groups, an accusation that the government vehemently denied. This ban lasted nearly three years until Turkey’s highest court ruled that it violated freedom of expression. In China, Wikipedia remains banned due to its articles on politically sensitive topics, including human rights abuses, Tibet, and the history of the Communist Party.

The decentralized nature of Wikipedia, where contributors from around the world can edit and publish information, makes it difficult for governments to control content. In China, people turn to Baidu Baike, a government-approved online encyclopedia that offers similar information but with state oversight. This censorship approach allows governments to limit access to unregulated information, controlling narratives and preventing citizens from accessing perspectives that might challenge official state positions.^[5]

5 Reddit

Reddit, often called “the front page of the internet,” is banned in China and has faced temporary restrictions in countries like Indonesia. China blocks Reddit due to its decentralized, user-driven content, which can easily delve into controversial topics that challenge government narratives [LINK 6]. Indonesia also briefly restricted Reddit due to its allowance of explicit content and discussions that contradict local cultural norms, but later lifted the ban with certain content filtering requirements in place.

In China, popular forums like Baidu Tieba offer similar functions but are tightly monitored by government censors. These forums avoid politically sensitive or culturally taboo topics, maintaining an environment consistent with the government’s internet regulations. Reddit’s ban reflects how governments prioritize control over online discourse and aim to restrict platforms that offer unrestricted freedom of expression.^[6]

4 The New York Times

The New York Times, a globally respected newspaper, is banned in China, where authorities object to its investigative reporting on sensitive topics, such as Chinese leadership, political corruption, and human rights issues. The ban began in 2012 after the Times published an exposé detailing the wealth of former Premier Wen Jiabao’s family, a story that embarrassed the Chinese government and prompted swift retaliation. Since then, the Times has faced ongoing restrictions as Chinese authorities aim to limit access to foreign journalism that may criticize or scrutinize government actions.

Chinese readers seeking global news often turn to government-approved publications like the Xinhua News Agency or Global Times, which provide news through a state-approved lens. The Chinese government’s crackdown on foreign media outlets highlights its desire to shape public perception and ensure that journalism aligns with national interests. The restriction on the New York Times demonstrates the challenges that independent news organizations face in countries with strict media control.^[7]

3 Dropbox

Dropbox, a popular cloud storage service, has been banned in China since 2014 due to concerns over data privacy and government control. Chinese authorities worry that Dropbox’s encryption makes it impossible to monitor, potentially allowing citizens to store or share information the government deems inappropriate or dangerous. Unlike other tech companies, Dropbox has not created a censored version for the Chinese market, choosing instead to maintain its commitment to user privacy.

China’s answer to Dropbox is Baidu Cloud, which offers similar services but complies with local data regulations that allow government access to stored data when needed. The Dropbox ban illustrates the clash between international tech companies’ data protection policies and governments’ demand for surveillance, especially in countries where control over online content is strict.^[8]

2 PayPal

PayPal, the global online payment system, was not outright banned but faced suspension in Turkey in 2016 after failing to comply with local data storage laws. Turkish regulators required all payment processing companies to store customer data locally, a rule that PayPal was unable to meet with its existing infrastructure. As a result, PayPal ceased its operations in Turkey, leaving Turkish users without one of the most popular digital payment platforms in the world.

Since then, local alternatives like Iyzico and Papara have filled the gap left by PayPal’s exit. Turkey’s insistence on data localization reflects a broader trend among countries looking to assert control over digital financial transactions and customer data. PayPal’s struggle in Turkey underscores the challenge for international companies trying to comply with varying regulatory standards while maintaining operational efficiency.^[9]

1 WhatsApp

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app known for its end-to-end encryption, has been banned or heavily restricted in countries like China, North Korea, and parts of the Middle East. China, in particular, has restricted WhatsApp since 2017, claiming the app’s encryption poses a national security threat by preventing the government from monitoring messages. End-to-end encryption is also frowned upon in countries where government surveillance is prioritized.

In China, WeChat, a government-approved messaging app, serves as the primary alternative. WeChat offers messaging, social media, and payment services, all of which the government can monitor more easily. The WhatsApp ban is a clear example of how encryption technologies can clash with national security policies, especially in countries where the government seeks full control over communication channels.^[10]

As language evolves, we often expand the meanings of certain words and phrases. Thanks largely to slang, words like “bad” and “ill” can now be used positively. In most instances, though, those words rarely lose their original meaning. We just expand our use of them.

However, there are many words in the English language that have truly lost their original meanings over time. It’s not that we’re necessarily using these words wrong or even that we’re using an alternate definition of them. Instead, these words have changed so much over the years that it’s almost impossible to use them in their original contexts without sounding like you’re speaking a different language.

Related: 10 Pop Culture Tattoos (and Their Secretly Ridiculous Meanings)

10 Awful

Awful can mean “bad,” but it’s more commonly associated with “unpleasant.” These days, you typically use “awful” to describe something that is not only bad but that upsets or offends your senses on some level.

Yet, “awful” is derived from the Middle English words “agheful” and “aueful,” which were used to describe the sensation of being filled with awe or to describe something worthy of invoking such a feeling. Even at that time, though, the word was sometimes used to describe something that fills one with so much awe that it also inspired a sense of dread. That helps explain how the word eventually came to invoke powerful feelings of disdain.^[1]

9 Apology

We all apologize (hopefully) when we’ve done something wrong and wish to make amends to the person we’ve wronged. It’s essentially an admission of guilt mixed with a plea for forgiveness. That’s nearly the opposite of how the word was originally used years ago, though.

As recently as the 16th century, the word “apology” was used to describe one’s defense against an accusation. An apology (or “apologie”) could be rooted in facts but was also a way to say “here is my side of the story” to defend yourself—as in Plato’s Apology. It’s not entirely clear when the popular shift in meaning occurred, though Shakespeare’s use of the word in Richard III and other works gradually brought us to the point where apologies became associated with forgiveness.^[2]

8 Terrific

Centuries ago, the word “terrific” was commonly used to describe something that invoked a great sense of terror. Even as late as the 1800s, the word was more closely associated with things of great size or intensity. It was essentially a combination of “terrifying” and “excessive” that grew to emphasize the meanings of the latter word.

So, how did “terrific” come to mean something wonderful? The shift seemingly happened in the late 1800s when writers began to use the word somewhat ironically in things like advertisements and reviews. The increasingly popular idea was that something could be so bold or excessive that it almost had to be seen. Interestingly, the English language is filled with words that were once used to convey terror but gradually became something positive through the bridge concept of “awe.”^[3]

7 Cynicism

The ancient Greeks used the word “cynic” to convey the idea of someone or something having “dog-like” features. It was commonly applied to a group of philosophers who believed that people should live simple lives in pursuit of virtue. Those philosophers were referred to as Cynics by those who saw them as beggars and outcasts.

However, by the time the word “cynic” began to appear in English writing, it was most commonly used to describe those philosophers and their beliefs in a more neutral, observant way. Over the years, though, the idea of being “cynical” was adopted by those who derided such people due partially to the belief that they were judging those around them. That revised definition, combined with the beliefs of the original philosophers, eventually gave us the now-common idea of a cynic being skeptical toward modern people and systems.^[4]

6 Peruse

In more recent years, people have used the word “peruse” to describe a casual observation of something. For instance, you may peruse the sales rack of a store or a book as you flip through its pages. As far back as the 16th century, though, peruse was used to describe someone reading something in great detail or otherwise performing a thorough examination.

Remarkably, people are still arguing over the correct definition of peruse to this day. Some dictionaries offer both seemingly contradictory meanings of the word, while other sources have sided with one or the other. It’s not clear why the “skim” definition has become especially popular in recent years, though you can find centuries-old uses of that interpretation in various published works.^[5]

5 Nice

While the word “nice” can be used as an insult these days—such as saying someone is too nice or using the word to mock an obvious mistake—it is considered the standard way to convey that something is pleasant. In the 1300s and 1400s, though, “nice” was more commonly used to call someone ignorant.

What changed? Society did. The word “nice” was gradually used to describe excess luxury and, eventually, high society people who focused too much on polite appearances. As parts of the world shifted to gradually emphasize such behavior, “nice” eventually became a far less derogatory concept. Of course, you can still find the roots of the word in those who use “nice” as an insult these days.^[6]

4 Naughty

Essentially, the opposite of “nice” (especially around the holidays), “naughty” is used to describe someone or something that is very bad. It’s such an obvious example of that idea that the word is often used when you want to convey an exaggerated parody of that concept.

However, “naughty” was originally used to describe poor people who had very little in life. The word eventually grew to describe such people who were also believed to lack basic morality, which is the use of the phrase that slowly caught on. By the 1600s and 1700s, “naughty” was more commonly used to describe someone (usually a child) who is misbehaving or generally exhibits bad behavior.^[7]

3 Meat

It’s hard to imagine that there could be another definition of the word “meat.” Sure, we have adopted various slang phrases that use that word in slightly different contexts, but it’s difficult to imagine a time when “meat” was popularly used to describe anything other than food that comes from the flesh of an animal.

Yet, until around the 14th century, “meat” was used to describe almost any solid food (as opposed to liquids). If you go far enough back, you’ll find that variations of the word have been used to describe a wide variety of substances. As the English language evolved, though, the word “meat” eventually conveyed something much more specific. It grew to be used in the more specialized way we use it today.^[8]

2 Speed

Until around the later days of the Middle English era (the late 1500s), the word “speed” and its variations were typically used to convey the idea of success. Specifically, it was often related to the pursuit and achievement of your goals. While achieving those goals quickly was sometimes implied in variations of the phrase, the idea of rapidity wasn’t necessarily automatically applied to the word “speed” (or even the phrase “Godspeed”) at that time.

By the mid-1500s, though, “speed” was more commonly used to imply a quick and successful journey or endeavor. As that phrase was used by growing industrial sectors to suggest increased work and production rates, the haste aspect of “speed” became much more prominent. Even today, you can argue that we often use the word with the implication of success.^[9]

1 Bully

As late as the 1500s, the word “bully” was used like we may use the phrase “sweetheart” today. It was a term of endearment that could describe a variety of people you have an intimate relationship with. Around the 1600s, though, we find more instances of the phrase being used to describe males as essentially being “good guys” or “fine fellows.”

Interestingly, the word continued to evolve from there and was eventually used to describe blusterous individuals (typically males) who were not afraid of taking risks. Eventually, some applied that word to people fitting that description who had also done something wrong (usually something violent) to them. While “bully” was often used at that time to describe ruffians and thugs, the original intimacy of the phrase is arguably still implied in the hurt we feel that someone socially close to us would do us harm.^[10]

If there’s one thing that pretty much everybody is in agreement on, it’s that grammar snobs are, well, snobby. It’s right there in the name! Linguists, writers, copy editors, line editors, and all the rest of ’em (you know… nerds!) have a very particular way of doing things. And when it comes to language and word usage, that is their domain. So, if you have any of them in your lives out there, you certainly know they feel a particular way about the dictionary. To the rest of us, that’s a miserable slog. To them, it’s enthralling.

Today, we’re going to use this list to rankle them a little bit. Below, you’ll find the interesting tales of ten words that grammar snobs and linguists insist should not be words. Some are slang terms that haven’t ever been recognized in dictionaries or word lists. Others are strange words that have found their way into the popular lexicon despite not being officially recognized. But guess what? In time, dictionaries have come around to categorizing the following words as, well, words. And no matter what the grammar snobs in your life may say about them, that’s good enough for us!

Related: 10 Famous Writers Who Came Up with Everyday Words

10 Nother

Surely, you use the word “another” quite a bit. And probably just as surely, you’ve heard someone say “a whole nother” to describe a different thing, item, category, or grouping. It’s a little bit of a goofy word (or phrase), but people have used it to describe differences and exaggerate pairings and groupings. Now, grammar sticklers will get in your face with a very loud and very quick argument about how “nother” isn’t a word and “a whole nother” is simply nonsense. You shouldn’t break up “another” with the word “whole” between syllables, they’ll say. It’s not right!

But we’ve got bad news for grammar snobs and dictionary defenders: it actually IS right. That’s right. The word “nother” first popped up back in the 14th century and, from the start, was used to function similarly to “another.” Then, in the 19th century, it became very common to see “nother” as a standalone word and a synonym for its, uh, cousin. And now? It’s in the dictionary. It’s legitimate. Of course, it’s still not as commonly used as “another.” And you’ll still probably get weird looks from people if you do use it. But at least you can point them to the dictionary as proof that you’re not making it up.^[1]

9 Impactful

For years, “impactful” wasn’t a word. And then… the 1960s happened. During that decade and the latter half of the one preceding it, advertising agencies got their tentacles into America. Some of us would say that the country has never recovered. Jokes aside, though, ad agencies did a lot as far as finding unique ways to market their products. They also figured out an entirely new language to reference their work, their achievements, their campaigns, and more. One of the foremost and most lasting words that they created was “impactful.” Some might even say their idea to pick up that word out of thin air was… wait for it… impactful.

Basically, ad agencies took the word “impact” and altered it slightly in order to have a way to describe their marketing campaigns. Seeking to toot their own horn about how their campaigns were having a big impact on the public, they coined the term “impactful” and began using it in board meetings and conference calls. Soon enough, the word made its way outside the boardroom and landed on the street. And today, many things are seen as “impactful.” Possibly including the “impactful” punch a grammar snob might land across an advertising industry executive’s face.^[2]

8 Prolly

When it comes to text messages and Internet speak, “prolly” has pretty much taken over for “probably.” Especially among a younger generation and a fresh, new set of folks. To talk to us oldheads, we don’t recognize “prolly” as a real world. It’s a heck of a lazy contraction, and we simply aren’t here for it. But younger people don’t care, so they use it regularly—along with OMG, LOL, and every other slang term and coded abbreviation under the sun. Here’s the thing, though: “Prolly” has gotten so popular over time that it is now officially in the dictionary!

Amazingly, the first documented use of “prolly” in place of “probably” went all the way back to the 1940s. Naturally, it functioned back then just as it does now: as a clipped version of the word “probably” to be used to save some time and a bit of a spelling headache. (We suppose.) Even more amazingly, the Oxford English Dictionary has now come to recognize that it’s so commonplace (and so understood) that it deserves its own dictionary entry. At this point, after nearly 100 years in use, the grammar snobs should prolly give up this fight. Prolly is here to stay!^[3]

7 Snuck

If you want to say somebody is sneaking around but put the sentence in the past tense, what verb would you use? If you said “sneaked,” you would be correct. But tons (and tons and tons) of people believe that the correct verbiage to use in that case is “snuck.” So many people have thought that in fact—and for literally a couple centuries at this point—that “snuck” has finally entered the lexicon and officially made its way into the dictionary. See, even though “sneaked” is and has always been correct, people going all the way back to the latter half of the 19th century have employed “snuck” as the past tense version of the verb “to sneak.”

The drumbeat has been going on for so long that dictionary advocates and compilers have finally thrown up their hands and relented. Grammarians and linguists fought tooth and nail over this one for a long time and tried their hardest not to have “snuck” sneak up on them. After all, there is not a single verb in the English language that ends in -eak, which then transfers over to the ending -uck, which is the past tense. Well, there weren’t any… until “snuck” went and snuck up on us all. Today, “snuck” is officially a word you will find in every mainstream dictionary. Even if grammar snobs complain relentlessly about it.^[4]

6 Madded & Madder

Let’s offer up a two-for-one special here that’ll be sure to get grammar nerds doubly upset. Or should we say it’ll make them madder than they were before? Word snobs and linguistic experts left and right will tell you that “madded” is not a word. You can get “mad,” of course, and you can be “maddened” by something, but you can’t get “madded” over an issue or person. Right? Wrong! You actually can get “madded” by something. If you don’t do something at your job, your co-workers can be “madded” by it. And that’s a real word!

There’s a second real word in this same vein that has tripped people up quite a bit for a very long time: the word “madder.” Back in 2013, Barack Obama caught a ton of flak from grammar nerds and his political rivals alike after he used “madder” during a speech. Everybody thought that he should have said something like “more mad” to describe that to which he was referring. But if you open up a dictionary, “madder” is indeed right there. Obama was right about that one, even if it sounded wrong. And even if the rest of us debate it until we’re blue in the face!^[5]

5 Orientate

As we’ve seen so far on this list, there are a lot of words that people will argue shouldn’t be words. But few raise the anger of grammar nerds and linguistic snobs more than “orientate.” After all, “orient” is a word—and so is “orientation.” But one shouldn’t be able to “orientate” themselves. That’s the thinking of people who are so-called experts in dictionary matters, at least. There’s just one little problem with that: “orientate” actually is in the dictionary. Cry as much as they may, but grammar snobs are fighting a losing battle on this one. And the history involved here goes way, way back. Two hundred years back, in fact!

As it turns out, “orientate” was first used among British speakers of the language back in the 1840s. It was used then as it is now—as a version of “orient,” working as a verb meant for one to determine their bearings or direction. Across the pond in the United States, Americans mostly stuck with “orient” then as now. But the British kept churning on with “orientate.” And before long, people started using the two words interchangeably. Eventually, the word made its way across the pond. And now, “orientate” operates on both ends of the Atlantic Ocean. Even if the snobbiest grammar followers among us may fight it!^[6]

4 Gonna

What if we told you that “gonna” is actually a word? What are you gonna do about it? Are you gonna fight us? Are you gonna spell-check us? Are you gonna roll your eyes, sigh, and steel yourselves for the facts that we’re about to drop? Not only is “gonna” a word (sorry, sticklers), but it’s actually been a word since way back in 1806! The casual contraction of “going to” was first officially documented and added to a dictionary in that year. Dictionary makers and linguists of that era had heard people contracting “going to” into “gonna” and decided to make it official in their word lists.

In the last couple of decades, words like “gonna” have taken on new importance with the rise of text message lingo. Whenever possible, we like to shorten words and keep things on point when it comes to texting people, tweeting them, or posting on various other social media accounts. Naturally, “gonna” fits well with that. But as we now know, the word fits with much more than that, too. After all, there were no text messages back in 1806. But “gonna” still found its way into the dictionary, regardless!^[7]

3 Anyways

To hear a modern-day English teacher or copy editor explain things, you would think that “anyway” is the only acceptable word. But did you know that the word “anyways” isn’t just in the dictionary, but that it’s been in common use for more than 800 years? The word “anyways” dates all the way back to the 13th century and is documented in literature from that period. Over the next several centuries, it very gradually fell out of favor. In its place, English speakers dropped the “s” and instead used the word “anyway” to change the subject.

Today, most dictionaries list the two versions of the word as workable synonyms. While most modern people still drop the “s” and favor “anyway” over its cousin, both words are technically correct. If we’re being technical, “anyways” is a bit more commonly used in North America than it is in the United Kingdom and other places that speak English. But wherever you may be reading this, don’t let geography stop you. “Anyways” is a legitimate word, and if anybody tries to call you on that, just open a dictionary and prove them wrong.^[2]

2 Ginormous

You might assume that “ginormous” is a word created by millennials as a way to be goofy online. Instead of calling something “huge” or “humongous,” perhaps these little whipper-snappers opted to create an over-exaggerated new word to get across their thoughts about things that are really, really big. But would you believe us if we told you that “ginormous” actually comes from the World War II era? Well, it’s true!

Though it may feel like a goofy word put out by millennial kids who delayed their adulthood by being goofy online, “ginormous” actually has roots in the 1940s. The first documented and recognized use of the word came in 1942, to be exact. Your assumptions about its roots are correct: it was initially used as an over-exaggerated (and somewhat tongue-in-cheek) portmanteau of “gigantic” and “enormous.” But quickly, it caught on. And today, “ginormous” is a real word that is actually in the dictionary, no matter whether you have reservations about that or not.^[9]

1 Conversate

Not only does “conversate” contain an actual entry in every recognized and legitimate dictionary, but like a lot of the words on this list, it’s actually been around for well over 200 years. Along with “conversating” and “conversated,” the verb meaning “to converse” is a surprisingly common word with a shockingly long history. The first documented uses of “conversate” in newspapers and other written publications come way back in the very early 1800s. From there, the word snowballed its way through our lexicon.

Copy editors might bristle at the thought of using it; after all, why say “conversate” when you can merely say “converse” or even its far simpler cousin “talk”? Taken too far, “conversate” almost sounds like a word that a 12-year-old might use in front of his fellow classmates while trying to sweet-talk through giving a book report on a book he didn’t read. So, we don’t necessarily disagree with you on balking at using it in the real world, but that doesn’t change the fact that “conversate” is a real word.^[10]

+ BONUS: Firstly

Lastly, let’s drop a bonus word in there: firstly. Sure, we know that saying “first” is better than saying “firstly” when it comes to listing off a rundown of bullet points or items in a row. But while it might be extremely awkward to use “firstly” with a straight face, it’s not wrong. If we’re being technical, there are some actual grammar rules to consider here. For one, numbered words like first, second, and third all work as both adjectives and adverbs. Thus, that would make adverbs like “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” redundant.

To make matters even more pointed, some dictionaries believe that “firstly” is a redundant way to introduce a list or a bulleted number of topics. They actively recommend to people that “first” is a better choice to use than “firstly,” which they claim gets unnecessarily complicated. But enough people have used “firstly” over the years that the dictionaries collectively eventually said “screw it” and added it in as an entry. Today, “firstly” is in every dictionary worth its weight that covers the English language. It’s not ideal, but technically, it’s there. And being technically correct is the best part of being correct!^[10]

Christmas is a time of traditions, from decorating trees and hanging stockings to sipping eggnog by the fire. While these customs feel timeless, many of them have unexpected origins that stretch back centuries. Ancient pagan rituals, clever marketing campaigns, and practical adaptations have all played a role in shaping the holiday traditions we know today.

Over the years, these practices have evolved, blending influences from various cultures and eras. From the generosity of Saint Nicholas inspiring Christmas stockings to the Yule log’s transformation from a pagan fire ritual to a dessert, the history of these traditions is as diverse as it is fascinating. Here are 10 surprising origins behind some of Christmas’s most beloved customs.

Related: 10 Surprising Traditions Protected by UNESCO

10 Mistletoe: A Pagan Symbol of Fertility and Peace

Mistletoe has long been associated with love and romance during Christmas, but its origins trace back to ancient pagan practices. The Druids revered mistletoe as a sacred plant, believing it had magical properties to ward off evil spirits and bring fertility. During winter solstice ceremonies, they would cut mistletoe from oak trees with golden sickles and use it in rituals meant to ensure a bountiful harvest and protection for the coming year.

The tradition of kissing under mistletoe likely stems from Norse mythology. According to legend, the goddess Frigg declared mistletoe a symbol of love after it was used to resurrect her son, Balder. This association with peace and affection carried over into Christmas celebrations centuries later. The Victorians popularized the custom of kissing under the mistletoe, turning an ancient fertility rite into a romantic holiday tradition.^[1]

9 Christmas Stockings: A Charitable Legend of Saint Nicholas

The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace originates from a 4th-century legend about Saint Nicholas. According to the story, a poor widower with three daughters could not afford dowries for his girls, leaving them destined for a life of servitude. One night, Saint Nicholas secretly dropped bags of gold coins down the chimney, which landed in the girls’ stockings that were hung by the fire to dry.

This act of generosity became intertwined with Christmas gift-giving, and the tradition of stockings spread through Europe. In the United States, stockings became a Christmas staple in the 19th century, thanks in part to Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which describes Santa filling stockings with toys. Over time, stockings evolved from practical socks to decorative, oversized versions made specifically for holiday gifts.^[2]

8 Christmas Trees: A Fusion of Pagan and Christian Traditions

The Christmas tree as we know it today has roots in pagan rituals that celebrated evergreen plants during the winter solstice. Ancient Romans used evergreen branches in their Saturnalia festivities, and Germans in the Middle Ages decorated fir trees in honor of the solstice as a symbol of hope and eternal life.

The Christian adaptation of the Christmas tree is often credited to 16th-century Germany. Legend has it that Protestant reformer Martin Luther was inspired by the sight of stars shining through the branches of a fir tree and brought one indoors, decorating it with candles. The tradition spread across Europe and was popularized in England by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 19th century. When German immigrants brought the practice to America, it became an enduring symbol of the holiday season.^[3]

7 Eggnog: A Colonial Adaptation of a Medieval Drink

Eggnog’s origins date back to medieval Britain, where a drink called “posset” was made by curdling hot milk with ale or wine and adding spices. Wealthy families often included eggs and cream in their recipes, making posset a luxurious treat for special occasions. As the drink crossed the Atlantic with European settlers, it evolved into the eggnog we know today.

In colonial America, rum became the alcohol of choice for eggnog, as it was cheaper and more readily available than imported wine or brandy. The drink became especially popular during Christmas gatherings, where its richness symbolized abundance and celebration. Over time, eggnog became synonymous with holiday festivities, and its enduring popularity has even led to unique regional variations, such as Puerto Rico’s rum-and-coconut version, coquito.^[4]

6 Candy Canes: Religious Symbol or Sweet Marketing Ploy?

Candy canes are often said to represent religious symbolism, with the shape resembling a shepherd’s crook and the red and white stripes symbolizing Christ’s blood and purity. However, this interpretation is largely a modern invention. The earliest candy canes, created in 17th-century Germany, were plain white sticks of sugar candy given to children during nativity plays to keep them quiet.

The iconic red stripes and peppermint flavor were introduced in the 19th century, likely as a way to make the candy more visually appealing and marketable. By the early 20th century, candy canes became a staple of Christmas decorations and treats. Their enduring popularity owes as much to clever marketing as to their supposed religious connections.^[5]

5 Santa’s Sleigh: Borrowed from Norse Mythology

The image of Santa Claus flying through the night sky in a sleigh pulled by reindeer owes its origins to Norse mythology. In the pagan Yule tradition, Odin, the chief Norse god, was said to ride across the sky on an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir during the midwinter season. Children would leave offerings of food in their shoes for Sleipnir, and in return, Odin would reward them with gifts. This myth provided a foundation for the idea of a magical figure delivering presents, especially in regions where Norse traditions mingled with early Christian celebrations.

When Christianity spread across Northern Europe, Odin’s image merged with that of St. Nicholas, evolving into the figure of Santa Claus we know today. The sleigh and reindeer were later popularized in American culture through Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which introduced the concept of Santa’s eight reindeer. Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, entered the story much later in 1939 as part of a marketing campaign by Montgomery Ward. This fusion of ancient mythology and modern commercial storytelling created one of the most enduring and magical symbols of Christmas.^[6]

4 Gift Wrapping: A Japanese Tradition Turned Western Staple

Gift wrapping, often viewed as a quintessentially Western holiday custom, has its origins in ancient Asia. In Japan, wrapping gifts in furoshiki cloths dates back to the 8th century, when the practice was both practical and symbolic, protecting the gift while adding a personal touch. Similarly, in China, silk cloths were often used to wrap gifts during significant occasions, with elaborate designs symbolizing good fortune and respect. These traditions reflected the importance of presentation in gift-giving long before the advent of paper wrapping.

In the West, modern gift wrap owes its popularity to a happy accident in 1917. Joyce and Rollie Hall, founders of Hallmark, ran out of traditional tissue paper during the Christmas season. They improvised by selling sheets of decorative French envelope lining paper, which quickly sold out. Recognizing the potential, the Halls began producing their own colorful, sturdy wrapping paper.

By the mid-20th century, gift wrap had become a staple of holiday celebrations, with vibrant designs, ribbons, and bows turning the act of giving into a visual spectacle. Today, wrapping paper is a multi-billion-dollar industry, though eco-conscious alternatives like reusable cloths are reviving the ancient traditions it originally replaced.^[7]

3 Advent Calendars: From Religious Devotion to Chocolate Treats

Advent calendars began in 19th-century Germany as a way for families to count down the days until Christmas. Early versions were homemade, featuring candles, chalk marks, or devotional images to mark each passing day. By 1908, Gerhard Lang, a German printer, introduced the first commercially produced advent calendar, complete with small doors that opened to reveal Bible verses or festive illustrations. These early calendars emphasized religious reflection and anticipation during the Advent season.

The modern chocolate-filled advent calendar emerged in the mid-20th century as manufacturers sought to appeal to children. British and American companies like Cadbury began mass-producing calendars with tiny chocolates behind each door, making the tradition more about indulgence than spiritual preparation. Today, advent calendars have expanded beyond chocolate, offering everything from miniature toys to luxury beauty products. This evolution reflects how the tradition has shifted from its religious roots to a fun, highly commercialized part of the holiday season.^[8]

2 Christmas Cards: A Victorian Innovation

The Christmas card tradition began in 1843, thanks to Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant who wanted an easier way to send holiday greetings. Cole commissioned the first commercial Christmas card, which featured a festive family scene and the message “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” These cards quickly caught on among the Victorian upper class as a fashionable way to convey holiday wishes without the need for lengthy handwritten letters.

The invention of affordable postage stamps, like the Penny Post in England, made sending cards accessible to a wider audience, and the trend soon spread across Europe and the United States. By the early 20th century, companies like Hallmark were mass-producing colorful and decorative Christmas cards, making them a staple of the holiday season. While email and social media have reduced the prevalence of traditional cards, they remain a cherished tradition for many, with millions still sent annually, often showcasing personal photographs or handmade designs.^[9]

1 The Yule Log: From Pagan Fire Ritual to Dessert

The Yule log tradition has roots in ancient Scandinavia, where it was a central feature of pagan midwinter celebrations. Families would select a massive log, decorate it with carvings or ribbons, and burn it in the hearth during the winter solstice to honor the Norse gods. The fire symbolized warmth, protection, and the return of the sun during the darkest days of the year. The ashes from the Yule log were often kept as charms to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits for the coming year.

When Christianity spread, the Yule log was incorporated into Christmas traditions, particularly in Northern Europe, as a symbol of light overcoming darkness. In the 19th century, French pastry chefs transformed the tradition into the bûche de Noël, a sponge cake rolled to resemble a log and decorated with frosting to mimic bark. This edible version of the Yule log became a popular Christmas dessert, blending ancient customs with modern holiday celebrations. Today, the Yule log exists both as a decorative symbol and a tasty treat, keeping its rich history alive in an entirely new form.^[10]

In the vast expanse of the internet, Google is the go-to search engine for billions of people every day. However, Google’s dominance can overshadow many unique alternative search engines. These lesser-known platforms often cater to specific needs, providing tools and capabilities that Google doesn’t offer.

Exploring these alternatives can uncover a wealth of possibilities. This list explores ten intriguing search engines that fly under the radar. Each one presents a unique approach to searching the web, demonstrating that there’s much more to explore beyond Google. From uncovering obscure sounds to enhancing your online privacy, these search engines redefine what it means to search the web. Let’s dive in and see what you might be missing out on.

Related: Top 10 Times People Tried To Shut Down The Internet

10 FindSounds: The Web Search Engine for Sound Effects

FindSounds is a search engine like no other, catering specifically to those in need of sound effects. Instead of trawling through countless irrelevant audio files, users get exactly what they’re looking for—be it animal sounds, environmental noises, or even quirky non-speech human sounds. Developed by Stephen V. Rice and Stephen M. Bailey, FindSounds zeroes in on sound effects and musical instrument samples, skipping over songs and speech recordings.

Each month, over 150,000 users turn to FindSounds, performing more than 1.5 million searches. It’s not just about typing in keywords; FindSounds uses advanced algorithms for “sounds-like” searches. This means you can find audio files that sound similar to an example you provide, which is a game-changer for sound designers, musicians, and filmmakers who need just the right noise.

The process behind FindSounds is pretty rigorous. They use web crawling and file analysis to hunt down audio files, but only the best make the cut. Human reviewers ensure each sound meets their standards, creating a top-notch index of high-quality recordings. This meticulous approach is why FindSounds is such a valuable resource for anyone needing specific sounds without the hassle.^[1]

9 TinEye: The Pioneer of Reverse Image Search

TinEye, launched in 2008, is a unique reverse image search engine. Unlike traditional search engines that rely on text-based queries, TinEye allows users to search using an image itself. This tool helps find where an image appears on the web, track its usage, and discover higher-resolution versions. It’s particularly useful for photographers, designers, and digital marketers who need to monitor their images.

One of TinEye’s standout features is its ability to find images even if they’ve been cropped, edited, or color-adjusted. This capability stems from its sophisticated image recognition technology, which goes beyond simple pixel matching. The engine’s extensive and continually updated index ensures that users can find the most current instances of their images online.

TinEye’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to anyone who needs a reverse image search. Its practical applications for tracking image use and protecting intellectual property make it a valuable tool for managing visual content online without the hassle of text-based searching.^[2]

8 Searx: The Open-Source Meta-Search Engine

Searx is an open-source meta-search engine designed with privacy in mind. Unlike traditional search engines, Searx doesn’t track users or store their data. Instead, it aggregates results from over 70 different search engines, including major ones like Google and Bing, as well as sites like Wikipedia and Reddit. This approach ensures a diverse range of search results while protecting user privacy.

Developed by volunteers, Searx was inspired by the now-defunct Seeks project. It allows users to customize their search experience by adjusting which engines are queried for different categories. The search preferences are stored in a cookie on the user’s browser rather than on the server, enhancing privacy. Searx also supports self-hosting, making it possible to completely prevent server-side logging.

One of Searx’s standout features is its ability to prevent user queries from appearing in web server logs by submitting them via HTTP POST. This ensures that users’ search terms remain private. Additionally, Searx offers the ability to download search results in various formats, such as RSS, JSON, and CSV, providing flexibility for users who wish to manipulate or archive their search data.^[3]

7 Swisscows: The Privacy-Focused Search Engine

Swisscows is a search engine designed to prioritize user privacy and data security. Developed by Hulbee AG and headquartered in Egnach, Switzerland, Swisscows does not track or store user data. It uses HTTPS encryption to secure searches and complies with GDPR standards, ensuring anonymity for its users. The company aims to provide an alternative to mainstream search engines that collect and monetize user data.

Swisscows also implements content filtering to block inappropriate material, making it a suitable option for safe searches. The search engine’s algorithms are designed to deliver relevant results without compromising user privacy. By focusing on privacy and security, Swisscows offers a distinct approach to online searching, catering to users who are concerned about data protection and digital footprint.^[4]

6 Million Short: Exploring the Overlooked Corners of the Web

Million Short is a search engine that flips the usual approach on its head. By removing the top one million most popular websites from its results, it pushes less-known sites into the spotlight. This method helps users find unique content that mainstream search engines often overlook. It’s a way to explore the web’s hidden gems that don’t usually make it to the top of the search results.

A study involving 33 students assessed the relevance of these long-tail results. The findings showed that even though these results come from less popular sites, they can be just as useful as those from big names like Google or Bing. The study highlights how Million Short brings valuable but often ignored information to users’ attention.

Using Million Short can be a refreshing change for those tired of seeing the same popular sites repeatedly. It offers a new perspective on web searching, making it a handy tool for anyone looking to discover something different online.^[5]

5 Qwant: Privacy-First Web Searching

Qwant is a French-owned search engine that was launched in 2013 and prioritizes user privacy. Unlike many major search engines, Qwant does not track user behavior for targeted advertising or use tracking cookies. However, it does collect some anonymized data for statistical purposes. This approach ensures unbiased search results and a higher level of privacy for users.

The search engine features a straightforward user interface and supports multiple languages and search categories such as Web, News, Images, and Videos. Qwant also offers Qwant Junior, a dedicated version for children that filters out inappropriate content. Additionally, Qwant’s mobile versions for iOS and Android include private browsing modes and customizable settings, further enhancing its privacy features.

Qwant’s commitment to privacy is evident in its design and operation, aiming to provide a secure browsing experience. Despite not using tracking cookies or remembering previous searches, it strives to deliver relevant and timely search results.^[6]

4 Ecosia: The Tree-Planting Search Engine

Ecosia, launched in 2009 and based in Berlin, is a search engine that uses ad revenue to fund tree-planting projects worldwide. As of July 2024, Ecosia has planted over 175 million trees with the help of its 20 million users. Recently, Ecosia partnered with French startup Kanop to monitor its reforestation efforts using satellite data. This collaboration allows Ecosia to track tree growth and health accurately, enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of its environmental impact.

Kanop employs advanced satellite imagery and AI algorithms to create detailed digital twins of forests. This technology helps Ecosia quantify the environmental benefits of its reforestation projects, such as CO2 absorption. Ecosia’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond tree planting; it powers its servers with solar energy and operates as a certified B-corp, ensuring profits are reinvested in environmental initiatives.^[7]

3 Brave Search: Privacy with Innovation

Brave Search, developed by Brave Software, focuses on user privacy and independence from big tech. Launched in 2021, Brave Software was co-founded by Brendan Eich, the creator of JavaScript and co-founder of Mozilla, the creators of the Firefox browser. Brave Search distinguishes itself by not tracking users or collecting personal information. It uses its own independent index and community feedback to deliver relevant results without relying on major tech companies.

One of Brave Search’s standout features is its commitment to privacy. The search engine does not store user queries or behaviors and offers ad-free search options. It integrates features from the Brave browser, such as built-in ad blockers and cookie management tools, enhancing the overall user experience. This integration allows users to browse the internet securely, with fewer interruptions from ads and trackers.

Brave Search aims to provide a transparent and private search experience while maintaining high-quality search results. Its innovative approach, combined with a strong emphasis on user privacy, makes it a significant player in the search engine market. As more users become aware of privacy issues, Brave Search offers a compelling alternative to traditional search engines.^[8]

2 SearchGPT: OpenAI’s Real-Time AI Search Engine

OpenAI has announced a new feature called SearchGPT, which integrates its AI technology with real-time web information. This allows users to search for information conversationally, similar to how they interact with ChatGPT. Unlike traditional search engines that use indexed data, SearchGPT provides up-to-date information and links to relevant sources, enhancing the search experience.

This new tool positions OpenAI as a competitor to Google and Microsoft’s Bing, both of which have been incorporating AI into their search functions. SearchGPT aims to streamline the search process by providing accurate, real-time answers and additional links for further information.^[9]

1 Shodan: The Search Engine for Internet-Connected Devices

Shodan is a unique search engine that specializes in finding and indexing internet-connected devices. Unlike traditional search engines that index web pages, Shodan catalogs devices such as webcams, routers, servers, and various IoT (Internet of Things) gadgets. This capability allows users to identify vulnerable devices and analyze the security landscape of the internet. Shodan’s extensive list of functions includes detecting data leaks to the cloud, identifying devices used in phishing campaigns, and providing monitoring capabilities for connected devices.

The power of Shodan lies in its ability to uncover exposed devices and systems that can be exploited. Cybersecurity professionals use Shodan to detect potential security flaws, monitor network activity, and assess the exposure of sensitive systems. However, this same capability can be leveraged for malicious purposes. For example, during geopolitical conflicts, Shodan has been used to locate and disrupt industrial control systems. In 2022, the hacktivist group GhostSec used Shodan to take down Russia’s railway infrastructure in support of Ukraine, demonstrating both the tool’s potential for ethical use and its risks.

Shodan’s scan results are updated weekly, but users can opt for on-demand scanning through the API for more current data. While it provides valuable information for enhancing cybersecurity, the tool’s capabilities also pose ethical dilemmas. Shodan can be a double-edged sword, serving both as a tool for improving internet security and as a means for enabling cyberattacks. This dual nature underscores the importance of using such powerful tools responsibly.^[10]

Holidays often have traditions, such as eating turkey for Thanksgiving, decorating with shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, and carving jack-o’lanterns for Halloween.

Christmas is another holiday with many traditions. Some, like enjoying candy canes, oohing and aahing at decorated Christmas trees, and telling a mall or other store-based Santa what is on one’s gift list, came about long before the 20th century began.

Other Christmas traditions, such as the ones listed below, started within the past 100 years. Read on to learn more about some of these newer traditions.

Related: 10 Holidays No One Celebrates

10 Watching Network Television Christmas Specials

The distinction of oldest Christmas special exclusively for television is neither Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer nor A Charlie Brown Christmas, which premiered in 1964 and 1965, respectively. Rather, it is Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, a cartoon that debuted in 1962. The special was based on Charles Dickens’s novel with a similar-sounding name that tells the story of a selfish, unsympathetic businessman named Ebenezer Scrooge until several ghostly visitors help him see the errors of his ways.

Among the actors who provided their voices to Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol was Jim Backus, who would go on to star in Gilligan’s Island the following year, and Morey Amsterdam, who simultaneously worked on The Dick Van Dyke Show while the Christmas special was in production.^[1]

9 Conducting Toys for Tots Drives

The tradition of a big box with a Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots logo to place donations like dolls, toy trucks, and similar items began in Los Angeles in 1947. That’s when a Marine Corps Reserve member was strongly encouraged to start an organization that would distribute the dolls his wife had made to financially disadvantaged children when no such existing organization could be found.

In the campaign’s first year, 5,000 toys were collected and distributed. Since then and through 2023, roughly 677 million toys, books, and games have been given to 301 million financially disadvantaged children.^[2]

8 Listening to Radio Stations’ Christmas Music Marathons

Around 1990, management at an adult contemporary radio station based in Phoenix with the call letters KEZ went against the advice of its consultants and researchers and began playing nonstop Christmas music upon the end of Thanksgiving. Contrary to those consultants’ and researchers’ beliefs, the format proved popular and since then, hundreds of radio stations have followed the same commercial-free Christmas music format, although the date these stations start airing the songs varies.

In 2024, Chicago radio station 93.9 FM began playing nonstop Christmas music on November 1, Cincinnati radio station 94.9 FM started doing so on November 18, and New York City’s 102.7 FM and Philadelphia’s B101 also began doing so around that date. The earliest non-satellite radio airing of Christmas music may have been Fort Wayne, Indiana’s 95.1 FM, which began playing all Christmas music in July amid the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020.^[3]

7 Wearing Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Wearing ugly Christmas sweaters—such as ones designed with excessive amounts of glitter or pompoms or of Santa doing something highly out of character—appears to have begun in the early 2000s. Less glitzy versions of the apparel were popular in the 1950s and 1980s.

The current creators of ugly Christmas sweaters include fast food chains and creameries. In recent years, some companies have hosted or will host Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, and at least a few ugly Christmas sweater parties have supported or will support a nonprofit organization.^[4]

6 Shopping on Cyber Monday

In the early 2000s, the National Retail Federation discovered that online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving were higher than the days leading up to it. Thus, it decided to come up with a catchy name for the day. After discarding ideas such as Blue Monday or Black Monday, Cyber Monday was created in 2005.

The federation attributed the increase in online sales on Cyber Monday to shoppers using (presumably faster) work computers to buy the items on their lists. Using a work computer also made it more likely the gift recipient would not know what they were getting.

In recent years, Cyber Monday sales have almost always increased from one year to the next. For instance, in 2019, such sales totaled $7.4 billion. By 2024, that amount had risen to $13.3 billion. Every year in between, sales had increased except in 2022, when sales dropped to $9.12 billion from $9.53 billion the year before.^[5]

5 Showings of A Christmas Story for 24 Hours Straight

The wheels for this tradition were set into motion when the 1983 movie first aired on TBS, TNT, and TCM in 1991. Those three channels aired the movie six times from the day before Christmas until the day after that holiday Christmas in 1995. The number of airings among those same three channels increased to eight in 1996.

Then, in 1997, the 24-hour marathon began, but only on TNT. In 2004, when that network changed the formatting of its programming to drama, TBS took over marathon hosting duties, but since 2014, both have aired the day-long movie marathon.

In 2020, 32 million people viewed the movie at some point during the marathon. When asked to comment on the movie’s popularity more than a decade after its release, director Bob Clark noted the movie’s approach to an extraordinary time of the year with compassion and candor, and star Peter Billingsley (who played Ralphie) noted how many of the movie’s fans tell him they see their own life story in the movie’s plot. Recently, other Christmas favored have also jumped on the 24-hour move marathon bandwagon, most notably Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.^[6]

4 Leaving Milk and Cookies for Santa

Families providing Santa Claus with milk and cookies in between dropping off presents in their homes began during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The hope was that by doing so, children would comprehend how important it was to give presents to others and also appreciate the presents they themselves had received.

One report indicates that Santa Claus likes all kinds of cookies, such as peanut butter, snickerdoodles, gingerbread, sugar, oatmeal raisin, and chocolate chip. There is no word on what type of milk—2%, oat, soy, etc.—he likes.

With so many food and drink options these days, it can be hard to determine how many calories Santa Claus consumes during his yearly gift-giving trip to people’s homes around the globe. One report’s conservative estimate of about several hundred calories per home concludes he would likely exceed recommended daily calorie allowances by several hundred thousand-fold, which is not something that can likely be worked off with all those trips up and down chimneys.^[7]

3 Watching Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular

The holiday-themed show that counts Vincente Minnelli among its creators premiered in the world’s largest indoor theater in 1933. The show still conducts the majority of its performances there and has, from its inception, included the dancing troupe known as the Rockettes and a nativity scene.

Over the years, the show has added modern features such as an LED light board and 3D effects. Annually, it uses about 1,200 costumes, some 30,000 red dots to give the Rockettes’ cheeks a rosy look, and slightly less than 14,100 batteries.^[8]

2 Paying Homage to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Santa Claus’s reindeer with a nose that appeared to glow was created in 1939 by Chicago-based department store catalog writer Robert L. May as part of a children’s book-writing assignment. May had toyed with naming his creation Rollo, Rodney, Roland, Roderick, or Reggy before settling on Rudolph.

Some of the emotions May experienced in his own life—such as isolation from bypassing a few grades in school, resulting in him being smaller and younger than his classmates, sadness from his wife’s fatal illness, and failure from his inability to become a successful novel writer—an be seen in Rudolph when the reindeer experiences feelings of isolation and glumness.^[9]

1 Reenacting Colonial Troops Delaware River Crossing

Each year for more than 70 years, hundreds of volunteers have gathered on Christmas Day along the Delaware River north of Philadelphia carrying weaponry and dressed in uniforms similar to those that George Washington’s army wore in 1776 when it launched a surprise attack on the Hessians during the Revolutionary War. Then, just as those troops did so that year, these volunteers cross the river into New Jersey.

The day’s events also include 1770s-themed activities and speeches that still occur even if the weather or river is not conducive to the river crossing reenactment. Spectators of the crossing and other events number in the thousands and come from around the United States and the world.^[10]

Translation seems like an easy task these days, with the help of technology such as Google at our fingertips, but it isn’t always so simple. Simple translation when trying to greet someone from another country is one thing, but interpreting major documents or treaties is another. Translators and interpreters are professionals with years of experience, but humans make errors—even computers that translate make mistakes. Bad translations can be very costly and even lead to deadly circumstances. Here are ten catastrophic translation failures throughout history.

Related: 10 Interesting Political Traditions from Around the World

10 Jimmy Carter on Poland

Jimmy Carter traveled to Poland in 1977 for a news conference, but the translation of his speech sounded like seduction. The professional interpreter, Steven Seymour, who was responsible for translating his English into Polish, made many mistakes. Carter told the people of Poland that he had “come to learn your opinions and understand your desires for the future,” but Seymour’s translation showed an erotic desire to “get to know the Poles carnally.”

Another phrase used by President Carter was “I left the United States this morning,” and it was mistranslated to say, “I left the United States, never to return.” Another translator was chosen to take over after the mishaps, but the second translator proved to be just as bad. The translator could not understand Carter’s Southern accent, so the translator made the decision to remain silent for the remainder of the speech.^[1]

9 Mars

Italian Astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli was observing Mars in 1877 when he claimed to see channels running through the planet’s surface. He used the word “canali” to describe the channels, and it was mistranslated into English as canals. Percival Lowell read about this and was convinced that the canals were real and wrote about it in the Atlantic Monthly. His writings covered the existence of Martians on Mars, due to the canals being created by them.

Several other people believed this, too, and wrote about it, and several works of fiction were inspired by these views. The water-carrying canals were just a product of misinterpretation, and most astronomers now agree that Mars does not have any channels. NASA even said, “Crisscrossing lines covering the surface of Mars was only a product of the human tendency to see patterns, even when patterns do not exist.”^[2]

8 HSBC Slogan

In 2009, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, better known as HSBC, was getting ready to launch a $10 million rebrand of its global private banking operations after a mistranslation. HSBC is known for its memorable ad campaigns, such as the “different points of view” campaign, but its “Assume Nothing” campaign didn’t quite work as well.

The phrase “Assume Nothing” was mistranslated in several countries to mean “Do Nothing.” In December of 2024, their market cap was $174.73 billion, making them the world’s 83rd most valuable company by market cap. Doesn’t look like the bad translation was bad business, after all.^[3]

7 President Carter, Again

President Carter’s mistranslation in Poland was much worse than what happened to him in Japan, but it was once again another translation error. In 1981, the U.S. President visited a small Methodist College in the countryside of Japan to give a graduation speech. He opened with a joke, and the audience erupted into laughter after the interpreter finished speaking. Carter wasn’t expecting the joke to be so successful, and after the speech, he asked the interpreter why he received such a reaction.

The interpreter tried to dodge the question from the former president but eventually admitted that he told the crowd, “President Carter told a funny story. Everyone must laugh.” Carter said it was the best response to a joke he has ever had in his life.^[4]

6 Parker Pen

Parker has been crafting pens for more than 125 years, and they had passed the $1 million mark by 1918. The successful business produced a very unsuccessful advertising campaign when it was translated into Spanish. Parker was the first company to develop a pen that could be carried in a pocket without leaking. They used the slogan, “With no fear to be embarrassed,” and the pen sold very well.

The slogan was later rebranded to “Avoid embarrassment—use Parker Pens,” which was very successful and popular throughout the United States. The company made the decision to start selling its products in Latin America, and the slogan would need to be translated. The word “embarrassment” is a homonym for “pregnancy,” and the translation sounded something like “To avoid pregnancy, use a Parker pen.” The pens were wrongly advertised more as a contraceptive instead of a writing utensil.^[5]

5 The Waitangi Treaty

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed by more than 500 tribal chiefs in 1840. It was a written agreement between the British Crown and the Maori people of New Zealand. It paved the way for British immigration to New Zealand and established their government, but it also guaranteed the Maori rights and privileges.

The treaty was imperfectly translated into the Maori language, stating that the indigenous people would have control over the territory but would surrender the governance to the British. However, the English version demanded a surrender of authority in all its rights and privileges. The founding document remains contentious due to the difference in translations.^[6]

4 Nikita Khrushchev

In 1956, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev gave a Cold War-era speech at a reception at the Polish Embassy in Moscow. In his speech, he was interpreted as saying, “Whether you like it or not, history is on our side… We will bury you” to the Western ambassadors in attendance. The phrase was then found on the cover of magazines and newspapers around the world, especially in America. Americans considered this a threat to their country, but the words were taken out of context.

Khrushchev’s words were closer to meaning: “Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will dig you in.” He was ultimately trying to say that communism would outlast capitalism. Others believe he used a more common Russian phrase, “We will be present when you are buried,” which means “We will outlast you.” Khrushchev said himself that he only meant that “socialism will inevitably succeed capitalism.”^[7]

3 Justin Trudeau Speech

Justin Trudeau’s, the Prime Minister of Canada, speech got lost in translation while speaking at the White House. Americans watching the speech from home on ABC News saw several phrases such as “Nazi innings,” “railroad stations in Motorola,” “portfolio of us old guys,” and “recourse to ice packs.” Of course, those weren’t actually the words or phrases that he said.

ABC claimed the translation mistakes were made by a computer program that was automatically translating words from French to English. The computer was unable to understand the phrases said by Trudeau, and there wasn’t an actual person controlling the translations. The speech was Trudeau’s first to a United States audience.^[8]

2 Pepsi Slogan

Some of the most popular Pepsi slogans from the past include “Be Young, Have Fun, Drink Pepsi,” “You Got the Right One Baby,” and “More Bounce to the Ounce,” but one past slogan didn’t work as well once it was mistranslated. In the 1960s, Pepsi released its new “Come Alive! You’re in the Pepsi Generation” campaign.

The campaign was going very well until it was released in China. The slogan translated to “Pepsi—Bring Your Ancestors Back From the Dead.” Of course, it was not able to bring back the dead, and the campaign was short-lived.^[9]

1 The Hiroshima Bombing

One of the most famous cases related to mistranslation is attached to the first atomic bombing. In 1945, Japan was presented with terms of a declaration of surrender by the Allied countries. Once the terms were translated to Japanese from English, it was delivered, and a response was awaited. The terms stated that any negative response by Japan would lead to “absolute destruction,” and it called for the immediate surrender from Japan. The Tokyo Prime Minister did not immediately release a statement and was assessing the situation. He was making the decision to wait before making a public official comment.

The Prime Minister used the word “Mokusatsu” to express his thoughts, which is derived from the Japanese term “silence.” The word can have several meanings, but the translation to English showed that he ignored the situation and “treated it with silent contempt.” The international news organizations published that the ultimatum was “not even worthy of comment” by the Japanese.

Americans felt as if there was no end in sight to the war, and the mistranslation may have led to the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima just ten days later. More than 150,000 people were killed as a result of the bombing, which would make it the deadliest translation error. We may never know the result if the Prime Minister’s words were translated correctly.^[10]