If you’ve ever been caught in a heated debate over whether a certain term belongs in the lexicon, you know the phrase 10 words grammar is often tossed around by pedants. Grammar snobs love to point out the “wrong” words, yet time and usage have turned many of those rebels into bona‑fide dictionary entries. Below, we rank‑order ten of the most contentious terms, from the cheeky “nother” to the ever‑present “firstly,” and we’ll show you why each one has earned its spot on the official word list.

10 Nother

Surely you’ve tossed the word “another” around a lot, and you’ve probably heard someone exclaim “a whole nother” when describing a completely different thing. It sounds goofy, but that phrase has been around for centuries. Grammar purists will jump in, shouting that “nother” isn’t a real word and that inserting “whole” between the syllables of “another” is pure nonsense. They’ll argue you shouldn’t split “another” with “whole” – it’s “not right!”

Here’s the kicker for the sticklers: “nother” actually dates back to the 14th century, serving the same function as “another.” By the 19th century, it had become a standalone synonym, and today it enjoys full dictionary status. It’s still less common than “another,” and you might still attract odd looks, but you can now point to the dictionary and prove the word’s legitimacy.

9 Impactful

For decades, “impactful” was considered a non‑existent word. Then came the 1960s, when advertising agencies spread their influence across America like tentacles. Some say the country never fully recovered. In any case, ad execs were busy inventing fresh language to describe their own achievements, campaigns, and the sheer force of their work. One of their most enduring creations? “Impactful.”

These marketers took the noun “impact” and appended the suffix “‑ful” to craft a term that could brag about the magnitude of their campaigns. It quickly migrated from boardrooms to the streets, and now it’s a staple in everyday speech. Even a grammar snob might feel the “impactful” punch if they try to argue against its usage.

8 Prolly

In the realm of texting and internet slang, “prolly” has largely supplanted “probably.” Older generations often scoff at it, calling it a lazy contraction unworthy of serious use. Yet younger folks embrace it alongside OMG, LOL, and the myriad abbreviations that pepper online conversation. The surprising fact? “Prolly” has been around for nearly a century.

The earliest documented instance appears in the 1940s, where it functioned exactly as it does today – a clipped version of “probably” designed to save time and a few keystrokes. The Oxford English Dictionary now recognizes the term as sufficiently widespread to merit its own entry. After almost 100 years of use, the grammar snobs might as well give up; “prolly” is here to stay.

7 Snuck

When you need the past tense of “sneak,” the textbook answer is “sneaked.” However, countless speakers have long insisted that “snuck” is the proper form. This belief dates back to the late 19th century, and over the ensuing decades, “snuck” has crept into everyday speech and, eventually, dictionaries.

Lexicographers finally relented after a prolonged battle, noting that “snuck” had been used consistently for more than a hundred years. Though some argue that no English verb ending in “‑eak” ever shifts to “‑uck,” the reality is that “snuck” has indeed snuck its way into mainstream usage. Today, you’ll find it listed alongside “sneaked” in major dictionaries, despite any lingering complaints.

6 Madded & Madder

Here’s a two‑for‑one treat sure to rile up language purists. The first term, “madded,” sounds like a misspelling, but it actually means “made mad.” You can get “madded” by a coworker’s negligence, for instance, and the word appears in dictionaries as a legitimate verb.

The second, “madder,” sparked a national debate when President Barack Obama used it in a 2013 speech. Critics argued he should have said “more mad,” yet a quick glance at any reputable dictionary confirms “madder” is a valid comparative form. Both words survive despite the vocal objections of grammar snobs.

5 Orientate

While “orient” and “orientation” are well‑established, many language hawks protest the verb “orientate.” They claim you should simply “orient” yourself. Yet, the term “orientate” has been recorded in British English since the 1840s, functioning as a verb meaning to determine one’s bearings.

Across the Atlantic, Americans traditionally favored “orient,” but the British continued using “orientate,” and the two eventually merged in usage. Today, dictionaries on both sides of the pond list “orientate” as an accepted alternative, despite the ongoing grumbling of the most fastidious editors.

4 Gonna

What if we told you that “gonna” is officially a word? The casual contraction of “going to” first appeared in print in 1806, earning a spot in early dictionaries. Modern texting has only amplified its popularity, but the term predates smartphones by well over a century.

Even though “gonna” sounds informal, its long‑standing presence in printed works secured its legitimacy. Whether you’re typing a quick text or drafting a novel, you can now confidently use “gonna” without fearing a dictionary‑watcher’s wrath.

3 Anyways

Most teachers and copy editors will tell you that “anyway” is the only acceptable form. Yet, “anyways” has a storied past that stretches back to the 13th century, making it an 800‑year‑old contender. Over the centuries, usage shifted toward the singular “anyway,” but the plural form never vanished entirely.

Contemporary dictionaries list both “anyway” and “anyways” as acceptable synonyms. While “anyway” tends to dominate in modern American English, “anyways” enjoys slightly more usage in North America than in the UK. Either way, you can pull up a dictionary and prove that “anyways” is perfectly valid.

2 Ginormous

You might assume “ginormous” is a millennial invention, a goofy mash‑up for the internet age. In fact, the word emerged during World War II, first documented in 1942 as a playful blend of “gigantic” and “enormous.”

Its over‑the‑top tone quickly caught on, and despite its cheeky origins, “ginormous” secured a place in major dictionaries. Today it’s a perfectly respectable way to describe something truly massive, no matter how skeptical you feel about its youthful vibe.

1 Conversate

“Conversate” may raise eyebrows among editors, but it boasts a solid history of over two centuries. Along with its variants “conversating” and “conversated,” it serves as a verb meaning “to converse.” The earliest newspaper citations appear in the early 1800s, and the term has persisted ever since.

While some argue you should simply say “converse” or “talk,” the fact remains that “conversate” holds a legitimate dictionary entry. So, whether you’re chatting in a casual setting or penning a formal piece, you can safely employ “conversate” without fear of being labeled incorrect.

1 Firstly

Finally, let’s toss in a bonus entry: “firstly.” Though many style guides recommend the plain “first” when introducing a list, “firstly” isn’t technically wrong. Numbers like first, second, and third function as both adjectives and adverbs, making “firstly” a redundant but acceptable adverbial form.

Dictionary editors eventually gave up the battle, acknowledging that “firstly” appears frequently enough to merit inclusion. While it may sound a touch formal, it’s fully recognized in every major English dictionary, proving that even the most debated words can survive the test of time.

When it comes to the battlefield, a clear head is as vital as a rifle. 10 powerful reasons illustrate why drinking can turn a brave soldier into a liability, often with disastrous consequences. Below we explore ten unforgettable episodes where alcohol tipped the scales from victory to chaos.

10 General James Ledlie Got Drunk Before the Battle of the Crater

In a military hierarchy, the chain of command rests on the assumption that those at the top are sober, sensible, and steady. History shows that this expectation can be shattered, as it was during the 1864 Battle of the Crater in the American Civil War.

General James Ledlie, an ex‑engineer serving the Union Army, was thrust into the infamous Siege of Petersburg. A colonel proposed a daring plan: dig a tunnel beneath the Confederate lines, pack it with explosives, and blow a massive hole in the enemy’s defenses.

Just a day before the assault, the original assault unit was swapped for Ledlie’s brigade—he secured the assignment by drawing straws. Contemporary accounts label him a “drunken coward,” hinting at his unreliability.

When the 4‑ton charge detonated, it created a crater 130 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 35 feet deep—the largest explosion of its era. Instead of leading his men through a coordinated advance, Ledlie hid in a bunker, intoxicated, while his troops stumbled into the yawning pit. The result was a blood‑soaked disaster, with thousands killed and Ledlie dismissed from service.

9 Van Zandt County Tried to Secede, Then They All Got Drunk and Captured

During the 1860s, Texas was a hotbed of secessionist fervor. In Van Zandt County, locals went a step further: they voted to break away not only from the United States but also from Texas itself, proclaiming a “Free State.”

The county’s remote position made it difficult for Union troops to intervene, granting the rebels a de‑facto victory without a shot fired. Naturally, they celebrated—every resident in the self‑declared Free State got heavily intoxicated.

The next morning, federal forces arrived, rounding up the inebriated population. While a few managed to flee, most surrendered, and the county’s brief flirtation with independence ended as its citizens re‑integrated into the United States.

8 Soviet Soldiers Drank the Cooling Alcohol Needed for the Mig‑25

Russians have long been stereotyped as heavy drinkers, and the Cold War era provides a vivid illustration. The Soviet Union’s MiG‑25 “Foxbat” interceptor carried a massive 132‑gallon tank of high‑proof alcohol, used for hydraulic fluid, engine cooling, and de‑icing.

This vital fluid was so plentiful that Soviet crewmen occasionally siphoned off a few swigs for personal consumption. The aircraft earned the nickname “Flying Restaurant” because of this habit, underscoring how readily the alcohol was treated as a beverage.

While the practice showcased the crew’s fondness for spirits, it also highlighted a dangerous laxity: a critical component of a high‑speed interceptor was being used as a makeshift bar.

7 Three Russian Soldiers Got Drunk and Blew Themselves Up at a BBQ

In 2023, amid the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, a small squad of Russian troops on a supply run decided to pause for a house‑party barbecue. Out of five men, three lingered, indulging in alcohol and grilling meat.

As the drinking continued, tempers flared. Two soldiers left the scene, but the remaining trio retrieved a live grenade, and an argument escalated into a fatal mishap when the explosive detonated, killing all three participants.

The exact trigger remains unclear, but the incident starkly demonstrates the lethal consequences of mixing firearms, explosives, and intoxication on the front lines.

6 US Soldiers in WWII Mixed “Torpedo Juice”

During World War II, submariners faced a scarcity of drinkable liquor while submerged for extended periods. Their torpedoes used 180‑proof grain alcohol as a propellant, which was technically consumable.

When the Navy discovered sailors siphoning this fuel, they attempted to deter the habit by adding croton oil, which caused severe cramps and diarrhea. The remedy proved insufficient, leading officials to re‑distill the alcohol, remove the oil, and mix it with pineapple juice, creating the infamous “torpedo juice.”

This improvised cocktail became a notorious morale booster, albeit one born from the desperation of underwater warfare.

5 Charles Jenkins Got Drunk and Defected to North Korea

In 1964, a 24‑year‑old U.S. soldier named Charles Jenkins was stationed near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. After downing ten beers, he claimed to hear a noise, left his squad, and surrendered to North Korean forces, fearing deployment to Vietnam.

Jenkins spent seven years studying Kim Il‑Sung’s writings, had an army tattoo surgically removed with scissors, and was forced into marriage with a Japanese woman held captive by the regime. The couple eventually fell in love, and after North Korea released Japanese prisoners in 2004, Jenkins and his family were allowed to reunite with his wife.

This extraordinary saga underscores how a single drunken decision can reshape an entire life.

4 A Town Escaped Destruction in the Thirty Years War Because of a Drinking Contest

During the Thirty Years’ War, the Catholic commander Count Tilly threatened to raze the Protestant town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The townsfolk offered a single, massive tankard holding 3.25 liters of local wine, daring anyone to drink it in one gulp.

The town’s mayor, Bürgermeister George Nusch, accepted the challenge and downed the entire volume in a single swallow. Bound by honor, Count Tilly honored his promise and withdrew his forces, sparing the town from devastation.

This legendary feat of endurance illustrates how a well‑timed drinking contest can alter the course of history.

3 A Spanish Invasion Ended When the Invading Brits Got Too Drunk at a Winery

In 1625, a pair of English nobles persuaded King Charles I to launch an expedition against Spain, hoping to seize treasure. Upon arriving at Cadiz, the British fleet faced storms, shortages, and fortified defenses that stalled their advance.

Desperate for sustenance, the troops looted abandoned buildings and discovered vast stores of wine. They indulged heavily, becoming heavily intoxicated. By the time Spanish forces arrived, the British were incapacitated, leading to a chaotic retreat in which over a thousand soldiers were killed, many still drunk.

The failed invasion demonstrates how a collective binge can crumble an entire military campaign.

2 In 1916, Thousands of Drunken Aussie Soldiers Caused a Riot

During World I, roughly 3,000 Australian troops stationed in Sydney grew restless over cramped quarters, limited leave, and a shortage of alcohol in the camp canteen. On Valentine’s Day, they learned that training hours would increase by four and a half each week, pushing total duty time past 40 hours.

Incensed, the soldiers abandoned their barracks and marched into the nearby suburb of Liverpool. They broke into shops, filled any container with liquor, and vandalized anything bearing German markings, turning the town into a chaotic battleground.

The unrest culminated in violent clashes with police, resulting in several injuries and one fatality. The episode prompted a military report recommending that local hotels and pubs should not supply liquor to soldiers.

1 During Their Celebrations After the End of WWII Russia Ran Out of Vodka

When Victory Day was announced on May 9, 1945, at just after 1 a.m., the Soviet Union erupted in jubilant celebration. Within 22 hours, as Stalin addressed the nation, the country discovered that its vodka reserves had been completely depleted.

Reports indicated that by the following day, no vodka remained in stock. Citizens flooded the streets in pajamas, drinking together in massive impromptu gatherings, even those who rarely consumed alcohol. The wartime reduction in production had already limited supply, but the sheer scale of the celebration exhausted what little remained.

This episode highlights how even a nation’s most cherished spirit can vanish when a populace drinks itself into a historic moment.

Why 10 Powerful Reasons Matter

Each of these ten stories shows that alcohol can undermine discipline, jeopardize missions, and even reshape entire nations. By keeping a clear mind, soldiers protect themselves, their comrades, and the broader course of history.

When you hear the phrase “10 wtf facts” you probably expect a list of jaw‑dropping trivia, and that’s exactly what we’re serving up about Christopher Columbus. The man still enjoys a dedicated holiday, yet the dark, often forgotten details of his voyages read more like a horror novel than a heroic saga. Below, we dive into ten unsettling revelations that make a strong case for retiring his commemorative day.

10 wtf facts Overview

10 He Cut The Hands Off Of Natives Who Didn’t Bring Him Enough Gold

When Columbus first set foot on the islands he promised the Spanish crown a bounty of gold and slaves, writing that he would deliver “as much gold as they need… and as many slaves as they ask.” To meet that impossible quota, he instituted a brutal system: every native over fourteen was forced into a labor camp in what is now Haiti, tasked with digging for the imagined riches.

Those who managed to bring back a sufficient amount of gold received a copper token to hang around their necks, a grim badge of life. Anyone caught without the token faced a savage penalty – their hands were severed on the spot, the wounds left untreated so they bled out on the beach.

The promised gold fields were largely a myth; the terrain offered little of the precious metal Columbus coveted. Realizing the futility, many natives attempted to flee, only to be hunted down by armed Spaniards and their dogs, who killed anyone they could catch.

In the end, the policy resulted in a terrifying combination of forced labor, amputation, and mass murder, all to satisfy a promise that was never realistic.

9 Columbus’s Men Tested Their Blades By Killing People

Father Bartolomé de las Casas, who accompanied the expedition, sent a harrowing letter back to Europe describing scenes that read like a nightmare. He wrote that the Spaniards would capture natives only to slice off pieces of flesh, using the acts as a grotesque way to test the sharpness of their swords.

According to his account, the soldiers turned execution into a perverse sport, betting on who could cleave a man in two or behead someone with a single blow. The cruelty didn’t stop at adult males; infants were snatched from mothers’ arms and brutally smashed against rocks, while other babies were thrust onto swords, their tiny bodies shredded.

These atrocities were not random; they were systematic, serving as both entertainment and intimidation. De las Casas noted a “stream of blood” flowing through the villages, likening it to a herd of slaughtered cattle.

The sheer savagery of these acts shocked even contemporary observers, highlighting a level of violence that far exceeded the usual colonial exploitation narratives.

Such accounts underscore the depth of cruelty that accompanied Columbus’s quest for wealth and dominance.

8 Columbus Also Mutilated His Own Spaniards

Columbus’s tyranny extended to his own crew. As supplies dwindled, he hoarded food aboard his ships, refusing to share with the starving settlers. To enforce his draconian rule, he declared that any theft of bread would result in hanging.

The punishments, however, went far beyond execution. When a cabin boy pilfered a fish from a trap, Columbus ordered the boy’s hand to be nailed to the spot where the fish had been taken. Another youngster caught stealing corn suffered the removal of both ears and his nose, followed by whipping, shackling, and eventual sale into slavery.

Even the act of purchasing food with personal gold was deemed treasonous. A group of twelve Spaniards were bound by neck and feet, then publicly flogged for buying pork and bread without the admiral’s permission.

By the time Columbus abandoned the settlement, fifty of his men had perished from starvation, while he remained relatively well‑fed, his belly kept full by strict command. When a subordinate failed to provision his pantry adequately, Columbus stripped him naked and delivered a hundred lashes.

This internal cruelty paints a picture of a leader whose cruelty knew no ethnic boundaries.

7 Women Were Regularly Paraded Naked Through The Streets

When a Spanish woman crossed Columbus or his brothers, the punishment was public humiliation on a grotesque scale. Rather than simply whipping or imprisoning her, Columbus ordered her to be stripped completely, mounted on a mule, and forced to trot through the town in her shame.

The first recorded incident involved a woman accused of falsely claiming pregnancy. Columbus sentenced her to the naked parade, turning her personal grievance into a spectacle for all to witness.

Later, Bartolomé, Columbus’s brother, repeated the cruelty when a woman alleged they were the sons of a common journeyman. After the public stripping, he also had her tongue cut out, a gruesome addition to the humiliation.

A third case saw Teresa de Vaeca punished for an affair committed by a friend. Though she herself had done nothing, the authorities deemed her guilty of “pimping,” stripping her naked, lashing her a hundred times, and cutting out her tongue.

These episodes reveal a pattern of gender‑based terror used to enforce obedience and protect the reputation of the Columbus family.

6 He Started A Child Sex Slave Ring

When Columbus realized that prostitution could be more lucrative than agriculture, he organized a ring of sex slaves, treating women and girls as mere commodities. He wrote home that a hundred castellanos could be earned from a woman as easily as from a farm, justifying the abduction and sale of women for forced sexual exploitation.

His correspondence makes it clear that the most profitable victims were not adult women but pre‑pubescent girls. He specifically mentioned that children “from nine to ten are now in demand,” indicating a calculated market for child sexual slavery.

One chilling testimony comes from Michele de Cuneo, who received a young girl as a gift from Columbus. Cuneo described how the girl fiercely resisted, scratching him with her nails and crying out in agony as he tried to bind her with rope. He later remarked that the experience was so harrowing he wished he’d never been given the child.

This sordid chapter underscores the depths of exploitation Columbus pursued in the New World, turning human lives into a profit‑driven enterprise.

5 He Lied About Being The First Person To Spot Land

Beyond the bloodshed, Columbus displayed petty greed. The Spanish monarchs had promised a lifelong pension to whoever first laid eyes on new land. While his crew kept vigilant watch, it was Rodrigo de Triaga who, in the dead of night, first sighted the horizon.

Instead of crediting his man, Columbus claimed he had seen a candle‑like light the previous day, insisting he deserved the reward. He argued that his earlier observation, though not officially reported, entitled him to the pension, effectively stealing the prize from his own subordinate.

Historians believe Columbus’s motive was not financial need—he already commanded wealth and power—but sheer pride. By inserting himself into the record as the first discoverer, he secured a permanent place in the annals of history while denying his crew their rightful honor.

This act of deception illustrates how personal vanity could eclipse even the grandest of voyages.

4 He Paraded Dismembered Bodies Through Town

When the Arawak people attempted to resist Columbus’s rule, the Spaniards responded with overwhelming force. Armed with armor, muskets, swords, and horses, they crushed the rebellion, hanging prisoners, enslaving survivors, and burning some alive.

To send a chilling warning, the conquistadors dismembered the corpses of those they killed, then marched the severed parts through native villages. The macabre display was intended to terrorize any would‑be rebels, making clear that defiance would be met with gruesome, public retribution.

This gruesome parade of bodies served as a stark psychological weapon, reinforcing Columbus’s dominance through fear and horror.

3 He Pretended To Be God To Keep The Natives Working For Him

When the Arawak people realized they could starve Columbus by withholding food, he resorted to deception. Knowing the date of a forthcoming lunar eclipse from an astronomical table, he warned the natives that his god was angry and that the Moon would turn fiery as a sign of divine wrath.

As the eclipse darkened the sky, the natives, terrified, rushed to Columbus’s ships laden with provisions, pleading for intercession. Columbus’s son Ferdinand recorded the moment, noting how the indigenous people begged the admiral to appeal to God on their behalf.

This clever manipulation bought Columbus the supplies he needed, allowing him to survive while the natives continued to suffer under his rule.

The episode shows how Columbus leveraged superstition and fear, presenting himself as a divine intermediary to maintain control.

2 The Arawaks Committed Mass Suicide Rather Than Live With Columbus

Facing relentless oppression, many Arawak communities chose death over continued subjugation. Whole villages coordinated mass suicides, often in groups of a hundred, to escape the horrors Columbus imposed.

Mothers administered cassava‑derived poison to their children, ensuring painless departures, while young women swore never to bear more children under such tyranny. A Spanish chronicler, Perdro de Corboda, recorded that pregnant women took abortive measures and that many mothers killed their newborns to prevent them from enduring slavery.

At the height of this tragedy, approximately 250,000 native Haitians lost their lives within just two years, a stark testament to the desperation and hopelessness they felt.

1 He Brought Syphilis To Europe

While Columbus’s voyages decimated indigenous populations, they also introduced a new scourge to Europe. In 1495, shortly after his return, the continent experienced its first recorded outbreak of syphilis, a disease previously unknown in Europe.

Historians link the epidemic to the infected crew members who had engaged in the child sex‑slave trade in the New World. The disease spread rapidly as sailors, now part of various European armies, carried it across borders, causing widespread devastation.

The initial outbreak claimed the lives of more than five million Europeans. Some scholars even suggest that Columbus himself may have succumbed to complications from the disease, which was later misdiagnosed as gout or Reiter’s syndrome.

This tragic irony—Columbus’s own demise possibly tied to the very illness his expeditions unleashed—adds another layer of darkness to his legacy.

If you’re on the hunt for the top 10 exotic companions that turn heads at parties, you’ve landed in the right spot. Whether you fancy flaunting an iguana on your shoulder or daydream about a tiny monkey that never quits cuddling, the global exotic‑pet market offers a dazzling array of critters that are as captivating as they are controversial.

Not every creature on this list makes a sensible housemate. Some demand a level of care that dwarfs ordinary pet ownership, while others pose genuine safety hazards. Below are ten animals that might initially appear adorable or thrilling, yet, for a host of good reasons, they belong in the wild or a professional sanctuary rather than your living room.

10 Prairie Dogs

Prairie dogs are charming little rodents that roam the Great Plains of the United States, often spotted perched outside their burrows as vigilant sentinels. Though they belong to the ground‑squirrel family, they lack the long bushy tails typical of their relatives, giving them a uniquely cute silhouette that has enticed many to bring them indoors.

These animals thrive in tightly knit social units called “towns,” which can consist of fifteen to twenty‑six individuals spread across a surprisingly large area. Within these groups, prairie dogs engage in constant grooming and a distinctive behavior known as “kissing,” where they exchange oral contact as a form of affection.

Adopting a single prairie dog forces you to step into the role of an entire community, meaning you’ll need to devote several hours each day to grooming, social interaction, and overall care. While the novelty may wear off quickly, the creature’s need for constant companionship can become overwhelming, leaving it yearning for the bustling town it once knew.

Some owners have successfully kept prairie dogs, but the consensus among experts is to adopt at least a pair, if not a small group. Their demanding social nature, combined with the extensive time commitment required, makes them unsuitable for most households. In short, it’s far kinder to admire them from a distance than to attempt domestic stewardship.

9 Fennec Foxes

Fennec foxes are among the few canine species that some enthusiasts try to keep as pets, primarily celebrated for their oversized, bat‑like ears. Weighing under three pounds (about 1.3 kg) at full adult size, they are the tiniest members of the canid family, and their diminutive stature paired with those striking ears gives them an almost cartoonish appeal.

These foxes are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours. Even when tamed, this circadian rhythm remains largely unchanged, resulting in early‑morning chatter and late‑night activity that can interrupt a typical human sleep schedule. Their penchant for digging also means they’ll often excavate substantial burrows in search of insects.

Ownership of fennec foxes is illegal in many jurisdictions, so prospective owners must verify local regulations before proceeding. Moreover, a standard dog diet is insufficient; while commercial kibble can form a base, they require a varied menu that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and regularly sourced rodents to meet nutritional needs.

In captivity, fennec foxes can live up to fourteen years, slightly longer than their wild counterparts. However, the specialized care they demand—ranging from diet to habitat enrichment—means they should only be considered by those prepared for a substantial commitment. If you decide to proceed, thorough research and preparation are non‑negotiable.

8 Servals

A serval is a wild‑cat species that inhabits the open, non‑rainforest regions across Africa. Distinguished by its exceptionally long legs relative to body size and a striking golden‑yellow coat speckled with spots, the serval’s appearance can easily be mistaken for a large domestic cat, though it is anything but tame.

Historical records show servals have been admired for millennia, with depictions dating back over four thousand years in Egyptian art. They were often presented as gifts from Nubia, underscoring their long‑standing allure to humans. Today, they remain a coveted part of the exotic‑pet trade.

Legal status varies: many countries prohibit private ownership, while some regions allow it under strict conditions. The primary challenge for would‑be owners is the serval’s need for extensive space to run, hunt, and stretch its impressive limbs—requirements far beyond the capabilities of a typical apartment.

Beyond spatial needs, servals demand a specialized, often costly diet, and they tend to mark territories aggressively, making litter‑box training difficult. Their wild instincts make them ill‑suited for domestic life, so most experts recommend opting for a conventional housecat instead.

7 Capybara

The capybara holds the title of the world’s largest rodent, resembling an oversized guinea pig. Their gentle demeanor and social nature make them fascinating to many, yet these traits also underscore why they belong on this cautionary list.

Much like prairie dogs, capybaras are highly social, typically forming groups that can number up to a hundred individuals. Even smaller pods rely on constant companionship; solitary confinement can lead to severe stress and health issues.

Physically, capybaras can reach two feet (0.6 m) in height and weigh as much as 170 lb (77 kg), surpassing many dogs in size. Their massive stature necessitates substantial living space, which includes a sizable water feature for swimming and a land area of roughly 12 × 20 feet (3.6 × 6 m) per pair.

Legal ownership is restricted to a few locales, and the financial and spatial demands of caring for capybaras are considerable. While they are undeniably cute, the logistical challenges make them unsuitable for most private households.

6 Kinkajous

Kinkajous, affectionately dubbed “honey bears,” are small, fruit‑eating mammals native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Although they share a distant kinship with raccoons, their appearance—somewhat reminiscent of primates—often misleads casual observers.These nocturnal creatures spend most of their lives high in the canopy, rarely interacting with humans in the wild. The exotic‑pet trade does capture some for private ownership, but doing so requires significant resources and expertise.

In captivity, kinkajous are rarely tame; they tend to scratch and bite, and their saliva harbors bacteria capable of causing severe infections in humans. This risk, combined with their specialized environmental needs—high humidity, low light, and abundant foliage—makes them a poor fit for most homes.

While it is technically possible to keep a kinkajou as a pet, the challenges of replicating its rainforest habitat and managing its defensive behavior mean they are best left where they belong: in their native ecosystems.

5 Sloths

Sloths have surged in popularity thanks to a flood of viral photos and videos showcasing their laid‑back charm. Their slow, deliberate movements and endearing facial expressions have turned them into internet sensations, prompting many to consider them as potential pets.

Despite their cute reputation, sloths are wild animals that have never been domesticated. They thrive in the high canopies of tropical rainforests, where they spend most of their lives hanging from branches. Captivity, even with attentive care, often fails to meet their complex physiological and environmental needs.

Beyond their seemingly harmless appearance, sloths possess sharp teeth and can deliver powerful bites that introduce dangerous bacteria into human wounds. Moreover, pound for pound, a sloth is roughly three times stronger than an average person, meaning an aggressive individual could cause serious injury.

Overall, sloths make poor domestic companions. Their stress levels rise in confined spaces, and they are ill‑suited to adapt to human interaction. While they may live longer under expert care, the best setting for them remains a professional sanctuary or their natural habitat.

4 Monkeys

Monkeys undeniably captivate with their playful demeanor and expressive faces, often reminding us of tiny, furry infants. Their presence on television—most famously illustrated by Ross’s capuchin in “Friends”—has further fueled the desire to own one.

Legal ownership varies, but several species are available for private acquisition, including capuchins, guenons, tamarins, marmosets, macaques, and squirrel monkeys. However, these primates require extensive resources, ranging from specialized diets to dedicated veterinary care.

Financially, acquiring a small monkey can start around $7,000 and quickly climb higher when factoring in ongoing expenses such as diapers, special foods, and routine health checks. Their intelligence and agility also mean they need ample space to climb and explore, making typical household settings unsuitable.

Monkeys can become aggressive, especially as they mature, posing safety risks to owners and families. Given these challenges, the most humane option is to admire them from a reputable zoo or sanctuary rather than attempting to keep them as household pets.

3 Chimpanzees

For those who think a chimpanzee would make a fascinating companion, the reality quickly dispels that notion. As our closest animal relatives, chimps share many traits with humans, but this similarity also brings significant challenges when placed in a domestic setting.

While a few jurisdictions permit private ownership, the majority deem it illegal. Even where allowed, chimps require diapers because they cannot be trained to use a toilet, and they demand a diet that includes fresh produce, insects, and occasional meat to stay healthy.

In captivity, chimpanzees can enjoy lifespans of up to sixty years, demanding a lifelong commitment of time, money, and emotional investment. Their sheer physical strength—up to 154 lb (70 kg) and nearly five feet tall—means they can easily overpower an adult human.

Incidents of chimpanzees becoming enraged and violently attacking caretakers are well documented, with some cases resulting in severe injuries. Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall strongly advises against private ownership, emphasizing that these animals belong in sanctuaries or research facilities.

2 Tigers

The “Tiger King” saga revealed a startling statistic: there are more captive tigers in the United States than roaming free in the wild. This surplus underscores the misguided allure of owning these apex predators.

Though tigers have been kept by humans for centuries, they remain wild, un‑domesticated beasts. An adult tiger can weigh up to 600 lb (272 kg) and stretch over eleven feet (3.3 m) in length, making them a formidable presence in any environment.

Legal restrictions limit private ownership in most areas, and the logistical demands are staggering. Tigers require vast territories—males may need up to forty miles (64 km) of roaming space—and a diet of 9‑18 lb (4‑8 kg) of raw meat five days a week, translating to immense ongoing costs.

Beyond the financial burden, the sheer danger posed by a tiger cannot be overstated. Should a tiger decide to turn on its keeper, the outcome would likely be fatal. Consequently, these magnificent cats are best appreciated from a safe distance, such as a reputable wildlife sanctuary.

1 Bears

Bears represent the pinnacle of terrestrial carnivores, combining massive size with formidable strength. Their seemingly cuddly appearance belies a reality where claws resemble miniature blades and sheer power can be overwhelming.

While a handful of individuals have attempted to keep bears as pets, such endeavors are exceptionally rare and fraught with challenges. Most nations prohibit private ownership, and where exceptions exist, they typically require specialized licenses and facilities.

Adult bears can tip the scales at 1,500 lb (680 kg) and grow rapidly from cub to full size. Their dietary needs are substantial, and they demand expansive enclosures that allow for natural behaviors like roaming and foraging.

Should a bear grow discontented or feel threatened, the consequences can be dire. Their massive claws, powerful jaws, and raw strength make them capable of inflicting severe injuries or even death. For these reasons, keeping a bear is an undertaking suited only for seasoned professionals, and even then, it is strongly discouraged.

Our planet is brimming with astonishing life forms, but some of them push the boundaries of believability. In this roundup of the top 10 species, we travel the globe to meet creatures whose oddball traits make you wonder if they were drafted by a fantasy writer rather than evolution. From a bird that sounds like a barrage of machine‑guns to a shrimp that lands a punch louder than a .22 caliber round, these ten wonders prove that Mother Nature can be wildly unpredictable.

Why These Top 10 Species Defy Logic

10 Shoebill: Pixar‑Esque Bird Mimics Machine Guns

If a look could take you down, the shoebill—also called the whale‑head stork—would be a lethal contender. Its massive, shoe‑shaped bill earns it the dubious honor of the “ugliest bird” award, and the creature looks as if a cartoonist with a twisted sense of humor sketched it during a midnight brainstorm.

Scientifically labeled Balaeniceps rex, this hefty avian sports a five‑foot wingspan, bright yellow eyes, and a hunting method dubbed “collapsing.” When prey catches its gaze, the bird launches a sudden, forceful lunge that leaves little chance of escape—especially surprising given its habit of remaining motionless for hours, patiently waiting for the perfect moment.

Although generally silent, the shoebill can be startlingly loud. Its signature call resembles rapid machine‑gun fire, produced by clapping its upper and lower jaws together while nesting. The repetitive bursts serve as a greeting between mates, but that hardly softens the eerie, battlefield‑like soundtrack.

9 Aye‑Ayes: Nature’s Take On Aliens

The Madagascan aye‑aye looks like a mash‑up of a panda, a rat, and a raccoon, making it the living embodiment of a sci‑fi creature. Towering ears, oversized eyes, a bushy tail, and a bizarrely elongated middle finger give this lemur an otherworldly vibe.

Known to science as Daubentonia madagascariensis, the aye‑aye dwells high in trees, tapping on bark with its slender finger to locate hidden insects. Once a target is detected, it uses that same freaky digit to extract the prey, and the finger also proves handy for scooping mango pulp or cracking open coconuts.

Preferring arboreal hideaways, the aye‑aye rarely descends to the ground. Unfortunately, its eerie appearance and strange habits have branded it an omen of bad luck among locals, leading to persecution and habitat loss that threaten its survival.

8 Platypus: Perfectly Weird Hybrid of Birds, Reptiles, and Mammals

Australia’s duck‑billed platypus remains a taxonomic puzzle. Since its discovery, scientists have struggled to slot it into any existing class because it blends traits of mammals, birds, and reptiles: it lays eggs, nurses its young with milk, and hunts underwater like a seal.

Classified as a monotreme, the platypus boasts a bill that doubles as an electro‑receptor, allowing it to detect the faint electric fields of buried shrimp. Its skin secretes milk that the hatchlings lap up, while the male carries a venomous spur on its hind legs for defense and competition.

The female’s tail functions as a natural incubator, keeping eggs safe in any weather. Despite its odd appearance, the platypus is a master of adaptation, turning its quirky anatomy into a suite of survival tools.

7 Mantis Shrimp: Packing a Punch

The mantis shrimp, a dazzling denizen of tropical reefs, wields one of the most powerful punches in the animal kingdom—comparable to a .22 caliber bullet. Its vibrant colors mask a lethal arsenal capable of pulverizing shells and crustaceans alike.

With over 450 species worldwide, mantis shrimp employ two distinct hunting styles: spearing with spiny appendages or smashing with club‑like limbs. The sheer speed of each strike vaporizes water, creating a miniature shockwave that can stun or kill prey even if the initial blow misses.

Beyond its brute force, the mantis shrimp sees a spectrum of colors far beyond human perception, making its underwater world a kaleidoscope of hues invisible to us.

6 Horror Frog: The Werewolf of Amphibians

Meet the horror frog, also known as the hairy frog, a Central African amphibian that looks like it stepped straight out of a horror flick. Its back and legs are covered in hair‑like filaments, but the real shocker is its ability to break out bone‑sharp claws on demand.

Scientifically Trichobatrachus robustus, this frog stores extra bones beneath its skin. When threatened, muscular contractions push these bones outward, forming sharp claws that can slash at predators. The “hair” serves a secondary purpose: during breeding season, males grow extra hair to increase oxygen intake, compensating for their tiny lungs.

In Cameroon, the frog is considered a delicacy, but hunters must spear it from a distance to avoid its sudden, claw‑firing defense, making it a perilous yet prized dish.

5 Pangolins: A Tough Nut to Crack

Pangolins wear nature’s most effective armor: overlapping keratin scales that act like a medieval suit of mail. When threatened, they curl into an impenetrable ball, leaving even the fiercest predators baffled.

Eight species span Africa and Asia, each sporting a full‑body coat of scales that grow continuously throughout their lives. Their powerful sense of smell guides them to termite mounds, where they use strong claws to dig and a sticky, elongated tongue to slurp up insects.

Beyond their defensive armor, pangolins can swim, climb, and even emit a foul‑smelling acid spray to deter attackers, showcasing a surprising suite of survival tricks.

4 Axolotls: Forever Young

The axolotl, affectionately dubbed the “Mexican walking fish,” captivates scientists with its uncanny regenerative powers. This salamander lives its entire life underwater, never undergoing the typical metamorphosis that turns its kin into land‑dwelling adults.

Known as Ambystoma mexicanum, the axolotl retains external gills that give it a permanent, frilly‑haired appearance. Its ability to regrow lost limbs, spinal cord, heart tissue, and even portions of the brain makes it a living laboratory for regenerative medicine.

Although endangered in the wild, axolotls thrive as low‑maintenance pets and continue to inspire research aimed at unlocking human healing potentials.

3 Musk Deer: A Forest Vampire

The musk deer, sometimes called the “fanged deer,” swaps antlers for a pair of long, razor‑sharp canine teeth that jut well beyond its jawline—reminiscent of a vampire’s bite.

These shy herbivores inhabit the rugged forests and mountains of Asia, belonging to the Moschidae family. Their large ears and short tail set them apart, while the prominent fangs are used by males to guard territory and compete for mates.

True to their name, musk deer possess scent glands that release a potent musk used to mark their domain, a trait that unfortunately makes them a target for hunters seeking the valuable fragrance.

2 Kea: This Playful Parrot Devours the Weak

The kea, a bright‑winged New Zealand parrot, combines mischievous intelligence with a surprisingly carnivorous appetite. Though its plumage dazzles with orange and green, this bird is notorious for its aggressive behavior toward livestock.

Scientifically Nestor notabilis, the kea’s curved beak and curious nature enable it to crack open seeds, hunt insects, and even tear into sheep carcasses, targeting organs like kidneys for a protein‑rich feast.

Farmers label the kea a pest, as its bold raids can devastate flocks, yet its playful antics also make it a beloved subject of wildlife documentaries.

1 Hooded Pitohui: Don’t You Know That You’re Toxic?

Rounding out our list is the hooded pitohui, one of the few known poisonous birds. Its striking chestnut and black plumage masks a deadly secret: the feathers, skin, and even meat contain potent batrachotoxins.

Research by American scientist Jack Dumbacher revealed that the pitohui acquires these toxins by feasting on toxic melyrid beetles, a dietary shortcut that renders it unpalatable and deters predators.

The same toxins appear in South American poison‑dart frogs, underscoring the pitohui’s place among the world’s most hazardous avian species—definitely not a bird you’d want as a pet.

Although a decent chef can work wonders with any set of culinary tools, having the right ones can definitely help. A set of cookware, cutting boards, and knives are just some of the practical items you’ll see in every kitchen. In this roundup of the top 10 kitchen gizmos that probably shouldn’t exist, we’ll explore why you’re better off skipping the impulse buy and sticking with what already works.

Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets Overview

10 Pickle Fork

Everyone wants to dodge that lingering pickle brine, right? Or perhaps you dread sharing a communal jar at a company picnic and prefer not to plunge your fingers into a crowd‑filled container. While a regular fork will do the job, many opt to spend $5‑$10 on a specialty pickle fork.

Although some find it amusing, others claim it’s practical. In reality, a standard fork does the trick just as well, and you’ll avoid the fate of a “must‑have” pickle fork languishing in a junk drawer, gathering dust.

9 PB&J Spreader

PB&J sandwiches are a lunchtime staple for many, yet the assembly can be a hassle. That’s why the PB&J Spreader was invented, boasting sturdy handles, long blades, and a design meant to scrape every last drop of peanut butter from the jar.

Instead of buying this gadget, grab a trusty kitchen knife for spreading and a spatula to scrape the bottom of the jar. Using two tools may seem extra, but you’ll save money and free up drawer space by skipping the dedicated spreader.

8 Banana Slicer

The banana slicer is another puzzling invention. Who needs to spend money on a tool when a butter knife is already at hand? Its only perk is delivering uniformly sized slices, which might be handy for a particular dessert or presentation.

Unfortunately, most banana slicers only cut small sections at a time. By the time you peel, slice, and reposition the fruit, you could have simply used a knife and cutting board to finish the job in a fraction of the time.

7 Egg Slicer

Next up is the egg slicer, which seems convenient for prepping sliced eggs for a Cobb salad. Yet a regular knife can accomplish the same task, and most people simply bite into a hard‑boiled egg or cut it in half without needing a dedicated slicer.

The slicer does produce evenly shaped cuts, but with a bit of practice any standard knife can achieve comparable results, making the gadget an unnecessary addition to your utensil drawer.

6 Hands‑Free Bag Holder

This device costs over $20 and holds plastic bags open while you fill them—something meal‑preppers find useful for large batches. However, you can simply buy more bags and avoid the extra expense.

Many sandwich bags have flat bottoms, allowing you to set them on the counter while adding food. If you’re worried about spills, roll the bag’s top over itself for a cleaner fill. Holding the bag with one hand is easy and, best of all, free.

5 Bear Paw Meat Shredder

Don’t splurge on a Bear Paw Meat Shredder when two ordinary forks can do the job. By pulling the cooked meat apart with forks, you can shred it effectively without the extra gadget.

While BBQ enthusiasts love the durability and ease of shredders for large quantities, the tool merely occupies precious drawer space. Its function is easily replicated with items you already own.

4 Butter Dispenser

Butter dispensers act like a large syringe, pushing softened butter onto your food. To use one, you must first transfer butter from its original packaging, which adds an extra step.

Spreading butter with a knife or spatula is straightforward, whether you’re topping toast or baking in bulk. The real drawback is cleaning; the syringe‑style dispenser can become a time‑consuming chore.

Most chefs opt to keep a butter dish or simply use a knife, avoiding the hassle of a dedicated dispenser that ends up tucked away in the back of a cabinet.

3 Egg and Bread Toaster

If you’re seeking to save counter space, this oversized toaster won’t help. Priced around $50, it features wide slots for toast and a compartment for cooking a single egg simultaneously.

Users report uneven heating, and the appliance can only handle one egg at a time—far from ideal for busy mornings or larger families. The limited capacity makes it a poor investment for most households.

Stick with a conventional toaster and a stovetop pan; you’ll gain better temperature control, more flexibility, and free up valuable counter real estate.

2 Tuna Squish

The Tuna Squish promises to squeeze excess water from canned tuna for $20, but pressing the lid of the can already does the job. It’s essentially a repackaged version of a simple press.

While some users claim it prevents the tuna‑water smell on their hands, the gadget offers no other function beyond what you can achieve with the can itself, making it an unnecessary purchase.

1 Jenaluca Herb Scissors

These scissors resemble regular kitchen shears but feature multiple blades—sometimes five or more—to quickly mince herbs. The design claims to speed up herb preparation.

Standard kitchen scissors can also chop herbs effectively, and they occupy far less space. At $15, the herb scissors provide only a marginal time‑saving, while their bulkier build takes up more drawer room for a single purpose.

Overall, the multi‑blade design doesn’t justify the added cost or space consumption compared to a simple pair of scissors.

In many of the richer countries of the world, there is an immense variety of food available. Modern supply chains ensure that all products are available year-round. The inventive cook now has a plethora of ingredients available and can make dishes from any part of the planet with produce from their local market.

Virtually unlimited options have led to opportunities to make mistakes. And there are a lot of food combinations out there that really should never have seen the light of day. Here are ten of my favorite, not-so-favorite food combinations that shouldn’t exist.

Related: 10 Foods That Can Cause Bad Dreams

10 Snails with Garlic Butter

Snails have been around for about 500 million years. Being very slow, they evolved two defense mechanisms. First, a shell for protection and then, having no taste whatsoever. Snails must have gone around feeling pretty smug for much of their existence and happy when man started farming, which provided them with endless food. What could possibly go wrong in the snail universe?

Well, unfortunately for the snails, the French turned up. The French have always been an inventive people. They saw the shell not as a protection but as a handy bowl to hold while they were eating the unlucky gastropods. The French have designed special implements for wriggling the reluctant snail out of its shell. So far, so good. One problem remained—the complete lack of flavor. Why not, thought a chef, pour garlic butter over them?

Garlic butter is rich and adds much to many dishes. But it adds nothing to snails. All you can taste is garlic butter with a rubbery lump of slimy something. Definitely not one of France’s many contributions to human culture.

9 Marmite and Marmalade

When the United States kicked out the British, Americans discovered many advantages to cutting loose from the Crown. Not least amongst them was the fact that they were spared the introduction of Marmite. In fact, this staple of many British kitchens was invented by Justus von Liebig, a German who found that brewer’s yeast could be concentrated into a sticky, savory paste and squirted into a jar. The British brewing town of Burton-on-Trent became the site of the first Marmite factory, and the company has made a virtue of the fact that it is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is marketed under the slogan “Love it or hate it.”

Marmite is rich in vitamin B and makes a tasty spread for toast for those who enjoy it. As for me, I think I will steer clear.

8 Fool’s Gold Loaf

Elvis Presley’s waistline expanded as he grew older. Not surprising when you consider that he was eating concoctions such as Fool’s Gold Loaf.

This “sandwich” was a production of a restaurant in Denver, Colorado, called the Colorado Mine Company. To make a Fool’s Gold Loaf, you take a French loaf, smother it in margarine and bake it. You take it out of the oven, cut it lengthwise, and hollow it out. You could stop here and throw it away, but you don’t. Now, you fill it with a whole jar of creamy peanut butter, another jar of grape jelly, and bacon!

So, what has Elvis got to do with this? One night, Elvis was with two friends in Memphis when he got a craving for a Fool’s Gold Loaf. As you do, he called up his pilot and flew to Denver. The restaurant rushed sandwiches and champagne to the airport, and Elvis and friends sat in the hanger happily munching away. In 1976, the sandwich then cost a whopping $49.95—around $230 today!

7 Fabada Asturiana

The Mediterranean coast is the area of sun and sand that most people think of when they think of Spain. But Spain is a country of great variety. The northern coast, for example, is rugged and beautiful. Here the mountains tumble toward the Atlantic. This is a green land where the weather can be harsh. To combat the cold, damp winters in Asturias, the locals have come up with a dish that fights back—Fabada Asturiana. Unfortunately, this powerful combination is hastening the end of life as we know it.

The influence of this dangerous dish has spread all over Spain and now beyond. The explosive combination of white beans, fatty pork, chorizo, and blood pudding has almost immediate repercussions. Methane—an inevitable by-product of fabada—is 25 times more efficient than carbon dioxide in trapping heat.

In 2011, Spain banned smoking in bars and restaurants. The Spanish government justified this on health grounds, but the real reason behind this legislation was, quite possibly, the risk of explosions in places serving fabada.

6 Blue Cheese Ice Cream

After a good dinner, you are faced with a difficult decision. Whether to have a sweet or something from the cheese plate. Some people always opt for one or the other. But a sizeable minority can’t make up their minds. Someone, obviously hoping to save their fellow citizens from the difficulty of deciding, came up with the brilliant idea of combining the two. I give you…blue cheese ice cream.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. I don’t mean to suggest that the inventor of this travesty is doomed, but we should never have allowed the brainchild into the public space. Ice cream and blue cheese do not mix. It doesn’t matter if you use the best of each—they do not belong together.

5 Beetroot Brownies

Most of us have a weakness for brownies. With a spoonful of ice cream, they are delicious. With a dollop of cream, they are wonderful. But with beetroot? I came across this combination on a website for vegans; I imagine that vegan brownie-lovers were searching for a substitute for dairy products. Now, I have complete respect for vegans, but I can’t condone using beetroot instead of ice cream or cream for a brownie topping.

On a practical level, you have to boil the beetroot for 45 minutes to render them edible. You then combine icing sugar with the beetroot puree (puree is the polite term) and make a beetroot icing topping. After making brownies, you then have to make the topping? Ain’t nobody got time for that!

4 Haggis

We’ve all been there—unexpected guests for dinner and no time to get to the store. If a quick look in your kitchen reveals that all you have on hand is some mixed sheep offal, a turnip, an onion, and a few potatoes, don’t worry, the Scots came up with the perfect answer long ago.

You mince the heart, liver, and lungs of your dead sheep, add onion, diced turnip, and potatoes. After various twists and turns, you shovel the resulting mess into the sheep’s stomach and serve it to your appreciative and admiring guests. Don’t despair if you only have a dead cow or pig; Scottish cuisine allows you to substitute their innards if sheep are not around.

I would hesitate before serving this remarkable dish to anyone you are fond of—you can always order a pizza. But if you do place it before your guests, you can have lots of fun describing how you made it and watch their trusting faces change expression.

3 McChoco Potato

McDonald’s is undoubtedly the most successful international franchise on the planet. It has hit upon a winning formula that generally means that you can go into a McDonald’s in Miami or Minsk and find familiar food. However, the chain is not averse to trying new products to cater to different markets.

In Japan, the company decided to give McChoco Potato a whirl. This imaginative yet straightforward side dish was a plate of fries with milk and white chocolate ladled over the top. It was an inexpensive addition to the menu and seemed reasonably popular. However, McDonald’s only introduced it for a limited time and only in Japan.

Why anyone would want to put chocolate on fries is beyond me. As it’s not illegal to do so, you are free to do this at home but don’t order it in a restaurant, please.

2 Peshwari Naan

I can only imagine a glut of desiccated coconut, nuts, and raisins in Peshawar, Pakistan, when a local decided that it would be a good idea to stuff naan bread with the mixture.

Naan bread is simple and cheap to make and is an ideal side dish with Indian and Pakistani food. Naan bread’s soft and fluffy texture makes it ideal for dips or to chase the last drop of sauce around your plate. But not if it’s sweet!

Some dishes mix sweet and savory with some success. Peshwari naan does not. Fellow diners who order it are likely to spend much of their time picking out the filling rather than eating it. Definitely not a happy combination.

1 Fries (Chips) and Curry Sauce

As a Brit, I find many things about British culture that make me proud. Foreigners tend to laugh about our cooking, but it’s actually not that bad. Indeed, there are some wonderful British dishes. Unfortunately, chips and curry sauce are not one of them.

Always popular, fish and chip shops seem to have introduced this very wrong combination. These popular takeaway places do a lot of business after the pubs close. It’s not hard to imagine that people who had had one too many bought the first rations of chips with curry sauce. But, what’s challenging to grasp is why this terrible combination became so popular. It is a sickly mess that is guaranteed to cause massive indigestion—especially when dumped on top of eight pints of beer.

The recent outbreak of Ebola started in Guinea during December 2013 and has spread to six countries, including the United States. Its arrival in America has made a number of Americans nervous, with one in five people worried they could catch it.

Having a fear of the disease itself is legitimate. It’s a horrible virus that causes cells to explode and then infect other cells, eventually taking over the immune system and attacking every organ. Ebola leads to clotting and bleeding, which causes the body to develop sores and rashes. Victims can also bleed from the ears, eyes and nose before killing them with a combination of failing organs and blood loss after a day or two.

While it’s a terrifying thought to contract such a horrible disease, should you really be worried about it? If you take a closer look at some of the facts and figures surrounding the spread of the Ebola virus, you’ll find that the answer is a resounding no.

10. It’s Easy to Track

One of Ebola’s greatest weaknesses is that in order to spread globally it would have to be done via human-to-human contact. As a result, it’s a fairly easy disease to track, even on a global scale. For example, there’s a website called HealthMap that’s been tracking the spread of the disease since the outbreak.

Also, most people who have contracted the disease live in West Africa or were visiting for work. Others had direct contact with someone who caught the virus while in the area. All the current Ebola cases can be traced back to the West African outbreak. Since the disease follows a logical path and doesn’t appear out of nowhere, it makes it an incredibly easy disease to monitor.

9. Hyper Awareness

There’s no denying that the symptoms of Ebola are terrifying. However, in the grand scheme of things Ebola’s body count isn’t very high, with only 6,000 people dying from it since it emerged in 1976. That’s roughly the same number of people who die every day from respiratory infections.

One of the reasons the disease is common knowledge is the fact that it could infect anyone of any age or gender. However, that’s also one of its greatest weaknesses. When it comes to infectious disease, awareness is a large part of the battle.

According to journalist Randy Shilts, lack of awareness was one of the major reasons HIV spread during the 1980s. In his 1987 book, And the Band Played On, he points out that HIV spread in part because of a lack of government support and media attention, because the victims were often gay men or drug addicts. However, with Ebola making headlines almost everyday since the outbreak, it’s at the height of its awareness.

8. Airports are on High Alert

One of the biggest concerns about Ebola is the spread of the disease on a global level. After all, modern air travel makes it much easier for contagious diseases to spread beyond the local level.

However, there’s a good chance that won’t happen because United States officials have said there are going to be new screening measures that will check passengers’ temperatures and then hold them for questioning if officials are suspicious. Airports in Africa are also screening passengers flying out of the continent.

One worry is that someone who is not yet showing symptoms will board the plane and infect others. However, people only become infectious after displaying symptoms. If someone should break out in symptoms while on the flight, the Center for Disease Control has measures in place to ensure that the virus doesn’t escape into the general public.

7. Experts are Knowledgeable

If you take a look at other major outbreaks and plagues in history, one of the biggest problems was that people didn’t know how the diseases spread. But the World Health Organization is incredibly knowledgeable about Ebola.

While they’re not entirely confident about the exact origin of the disease, they’re pretty sure that it came from fruit bats. What they do know is that the first reported case of death from Ebola was in 1976 in Zaire, which is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then scientists have been studying the virus, and they understand how the disease works and what steps are needed to limit the spread.

And since they know how it works, they’re able to administer treatments that seem to be working. Simply treating the symptoms has aided in survival rates. Unfortunately, despite knowing a lot about the disease there’s still no cure. However, an experimental drug called brincidofovir has been approved by the FDA to be used in emergency cases.

6. It’s Not Always Fatal

One of the more frightening aspects of the disease is that, according to the media, it has a death rate of 90%. That number was calculated by dividing the number of known infections by the amount of people who died from it. However, the 90% figure was taken from an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2002 to 2003, which was the deadliest outbreak ever.

The actual rate between 1976 and now is 60% to 65%. And for this outbreak, the number is closer to 54%. The 90% number was influenced by many factors that made treatment difficult, including poor access to medical care and the fact that a civil war was on-going.

5. Most Food Won’t Be Infected

Human aren’t the only ones affected by Ebola. Primates and other mammals can get the disease, most notably the fruit bat, which is a West African delicacy.

Scientists believe that fruit bats are “natural hosts” for the Ebola virus. Residents of West Africa will eat infected fruit bats or other animals, get sick and spread the virus to those around them. So the obvious question is whether or not that could happen elsewhere. The short answer is no, not likely. African bush meat generally isn’t consumed outside of Africa.

The only way food outside of Africa could become infected is if an infected person comes into contact with food or an animal meant for consumption and their blood, feces or urine gets on the food or in the animal. Both scenarios seem unlikely, and there are safeguards at many different levels to ensure that food isn’t messed with.

4. Ebola Can Be Fought

Do you know what the best resistance against Ebola is? Let’s say you touch someone or something owned by someone who has Ebola. Do you have to go into quarantine and hope for the best? Nope — all you have to do is wash your hands with soap or anti-bacterial hand gel.

Areas where outbreaks occur generally lack basic necessities like clean water and soap. So as long as you keep washing your hands, as you should anyway to avoid other illnesses, you shouldn’t have a problem.

3. Spread and Mortality Rates Vary on Location

An inevitable question is “If Ebola really isn’t a problem, then why is there an outbreak in the first place?”

Well, the answer is simple — it’s based on location. One of the main reasons there’s an Ebola outbreak in Africa and there won’t be in places like America is that Americans have easier access to soap and antibacterial gel. If you compare the mortality rate of Ebola in countries with known infections they change based on preparedness, as well as availability and quality of health care. For example, in Guinea the mortality rate is 73%, but in Sierra Leone it’s only 41%. If the disease were to appear in America, chances are it wouldn’t spread as the victims would be quickly quarantined and treated.

2. It Won’t Go Airborne

One of the biggest fears about Ebola is that it will go airborne, or will be transmitted through something like mosquito bites. However, Dr. Peter Piot, who was a co-discover of Ebola and is now the director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, says that it’s irresponsible for news organizations to even suggest that the Ebola virus could go airborne. No virus similar to Ebola has mutated so drastically, so quickly, ever. Piot, along with other experts, says that Ebola is not airborne, nor will it be in the future.

1. Almost No Chance of Catching It

There are only a few different ways you can catch Ebola, and the main one is exchanging bodily fluids. It’s mostly passed through blood, feces and vomit, although it has been detected in semen, breast milk and urine. In order to get the disease you have to come into close contact with an infected person and their fluids. The odds are that a massive majority of people outside of the outbreak won’t come into contact with an infected person. In fact, outside of Africa only 14 cases of Ebola are being treated as of September 2014.

The chance of you catching it is rare. One researcher says that the chances of someone outside the outbreak catching it are so incredibly small that the odds are almost non-existent. So relax, and get back to worrying about what foods are giving you cancer.