Have you ever looked at something and thought, “What’s that thing called?” It happens more often than you might think. Our world is full of objects and parts we use every day, but we don’t always know their proper names. This blog will reveal 23 everyday items you’ve probably seen or used, but never knew what to call them. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of these common yet nameless things.
Aglet
The plastic or metal tip at the end of a shoelace is called an aglet. It helps prevent the lace from fraying and makes it easier to thread through the eyelets of your shoes. Aglets come in different colors and materials, depending on the type of shoelace. Without aglets, tying your shoes would be much harder and your laces wouldn’t last as long.
Philtrum
The vertical groove between your nose and upper lip is called the philtrum. This small indentation is present in most mammals and develops during the early stages of pregnancy. The philtrum doesn’t have a clear purpose in humans, but it’s a unique feature of our faces. Some people have more pronounced philtrum than others.
Ferrule
The metal band that holds the eraser to a pencil is called a ferrule. It’s usually made of aluminum or brass and keeps the eraser firmly attached to the wooden part of the pencil. Ferrules are also found on paintbrushes, umbrellas, and walking sticks. They help prevent these items from splitting or wearing down too quickly.
Keeper
The extra loop on a belt that holds the loose end in place is called a keeper. It’s usually made of the same material as the belt and helps keep everything neat and tidy. Without a keeper, the end of your belt would flap around freely. Some belts have multiple keepers for added security and style.
Punt
The indentation at the bottom of a wine bottle is called a punt. It’s the dome-shaped hollow that you can feel when you run your thumb along the base of the bottle. Punts were originally created to strengthen glass bottles, but now they’re mostly for tradition and aesthetics. Some people think punts help with pouring wine, but that’s not their main purpose.
Zarf
A decorative holder for a hot coffee cup is called a zarf. It’s usually made of metal or ornate materials and helps protect your hands from the heat of the cup. Zarfs were originally used in Middle Eastern countries for serving coffee without handles. Today, you might see modern versions of zarfs in coffee shops, often made of cardboard or recycled materials.
Gusset
The small triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric in the crotch of pants or underwear is called a gusset. It provides extra room and flexibility in tight-fitting clothes. Gussets help prevent seams from tearing and make garments more comfortable to wear. They’re especially common in activewear and women’s underwear, where movement and comfort are important.
Wamble
The gurgling sound your stomach makes when you’re hungry is called a wamble. It’s caused by the movement of gas and liquid in your digestive system. Wambles are completely normal and usually happen when your stomach is empty. They can be loud or soft, and sometimes embarrassing if they happen at quiet moments.
Tittle
The dot above the letters ‘i’ and ‘j’ is called a tittle. It’s a small but important part of these letters, helping to distinguish them from other similar shapes. Tittles have been used in writing for centuries and are found in many different languages. In some fonts or handwriting styles, tittles can be circles, squares, or even heart-shaped for decoration.
Armscye
The armhole of a garment, where the sleeve attaches to the body, is called an armscye. It’s an important part of clothing design that affects how well a shirt or jacket fits. A well-designed armscye allows for comfortable movement without pulling or bunching the fabric. Tailors and dressmakers pay close attention to the shape and size of armscyes when making or altering clothes.
Diastema
A noticeable gap between two teeth, usually the front teeth, is called a diastema. It’s a common dental feature that some people are born with, while others develop it over time. Diastemas can be closed through dental procedures if desired, but many people choose to keep them as a unique part of their smile. Some cultures even consider diastemas to be a sign of good luck or beauty.
Overmorrow
The day after tomorrow is called overmorrow. It’s an old English word that’s not commonly used today, but it’s still a handy term to know. Instead of saying “the day after tomorrow,” you could simply say “overmorrow.” This word has similar counterparts in other languages, like “übermorgen” in German or “pasado mañana” in Spanish.
Glabella
The smooth area between your eyebrows is called the glabella. It’s the part of your forehead that’s often targeted for Botox injections to reduce frown lines. The glabella can reveal a lot about a person’s emotions, as it’s where we often furrow our brows when concentrating or feeling upset. Some people have more pronounced glabellas than others, depending on their facial structure.
Hock
The back part of an animal’s leg, especially in horses and other four-legged animals, is called the hock. It’s similar to the human ankle but bends in the opposite direction. Hocks are important for an animal’s movement and can be a source of health issues in some breeds. In cooking, a hock often refers to a specific cut of meat from this area, like a ham hock.
Muntins
The thin strips of wood or metal that divide a window into smaller panes are called muntins. They were originally used to support smaller pieces of glass when large sheets weren’t available. Today, muntins are often used for decorative purposes to give windows a traditional or colonial look. Some muntins are just for show and are placed on top of a single pane of glass.
Columella
The fleshy part that separates your nostrils is called the columella. It’s an important part of your nose structure and affects both your appearance and breathing. Some people have very narrow columellas, while others have wider ones. In nose surgery, doctors often pay attention to the columella to ensure a natural-looking result.
Cwtch
A warm, safe hug or cuddle is called a cwtch in Welsh. It’s more than just a physical embrace; it also implies a sense of comfort and safety. The word has gained popularity beyond Wales and is sometimes used in English to describe a particularly cozy or affectionate hug. A cwtch can be between romantic partners, family members, or even with pets.
Jabot
A decorative ruffle on the front of a shirt or blouse, often made of lace, is called a jabot. It was popular in 17th and 18th-century fashion and has made comebacks in various styles over the years. Jabots are still seen on some formal wear and judicial robes. They add a touch of elegance and formality to an outfit, drawing attention to the neckline.
Paresthesia
The tingling “pins and needles” sensation you feel when a body part falls asleep is called paresthesia. It happens when pressure cuts off blood flow to an area, usually from sitting or lying in one position for too long. Paresthesia is usually harmless and goes away quickly once you move, but persistent tingling can be a sign of other health issues.
Petrichor
The pleasant smell that often accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather is called petrichor. It’s caused by a mixture of plant oils and geosmin, a compound produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. Many people find petrichor comforting and associate it with the freshness of nature. Some perfumes and air fresheners try to mimic this scent.
Contrail
The line of condensed water vapor that sometimes forms behind aircraft at high altitudes is called a contrail. It’s short for “condensation trail” and occurs when hot engine exhaust mixes with the cold air at high altitudes. Contrails can last for just a few seconds or persist for hours, depending on the atmospheric conditions. They’re often mistaken for chemtrails in conspiracy theories.
Lunule
The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of your fingernail is called a lunule. It’s most visible on your thumbs and varies in size from person to person. Lunules are actually part of the nail root and help with nail growth. Their appearance can sometimes indicate overall health, with very pale or missing lunules potentially signaling certain medical conditions.
Whipple Shield
A protective barrier used on spacecraft to defend against high-speed impacts from micrometeoroids and orbital debris is called a Whipple shield. It consists of a thin outer layer that breaks up incoming particles and a sturdy inner layer that catches the remaining fragments. Whipple shields are crucial for protecting satellites and space stations from damage in the harsh environment of space.
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