(Photo: READER'S DIGEST, SHUTTERSTOCK (2))
Random fun facts catch us off guard in the best possible way. They’re unexpected or unusual bits of knowledge from the worlds of science, history, and pop culture that delight and entertain us—and anyone we share them with. But these interesting facts aren’t just amusing pieces of information that will make you a whiz at answering trivia questions: They’re legitimately fascinating, and once you get started, you’ll want to keep reading until your curiosity is satisfied.
Whether you’re into weird facts that almost don’t sound true (but totally are), random trivia, science trivia, animal trivia, movie trivia, game facts, or book trivia, you’ll find plenty of new information here. And if you’re looking for trivia questions for kids to entertain them during a family dinner or a long road trip, we’ve got plenty of those too!
Fact: Europeans were scared of eating tomatoes when they were introduced
Scholars think Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés brought the seeds from Mesoamerica to Europe in 1519 with the intent of the fruits being used ornamentally in gardens. By the 1700s, aristocrats started eating tomatoes, but they were convinced the fruits were poisonous because people would die after eating them. In reality, the acidity from the tomatoes brought out the lead in pewter plates, and they actually died of lead poisoning.
Fact: Humans aren’t the only animals that dream
Studies have indicated rats dream about getting to food or running through mazes. Most mammals go through REM sleep, the cycle in which dreams occur, so scientists think there’s a good chance they all dream.
Fact: The inventor of the microwave appliance received only $2 for his discovery
Percy Spencer was working as a researcher for the Raytheon Manufacturing Company when he noticed that radar sets emitting electromagnetic waves melted the candy bar in his pocket. He had the idea to make a metal box using microwaves to heat food, but the company was the one to file the patent for the invention in 1945. The patent was granted in 1950, and Spencer received a $2 bonus but never any royalties.
Fact: The Eiffel Tower can grow taller during the summer
The high temperatures make the iron expand, adding a few millimeters to the famous structure’s height. On the flip side, in the winter, the structure can contract and lose a few millimeters.
Fact: Glitter was discovered by accident
A man by the name of Henry Ruschmann from Bernardsville, New Jersey, invented glitter by accident in 1934. Ruschmann, a machinist, invented a machine designed to cut plastic film at high speeds. The machine sometimes malfunctioned, producing tiny pieces of shiny material that sparkled when they reflected light. Ruschmann called these glittery bits “schnibbles.” He then went on to start a company called Meadowbrook Glitter, which is still in the business of making glitter today.
Fact: Frankenstein’s monster is a vegetarian
In Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s monster says, “My food is not that of man; I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glut my appetite; acorns and berries afford me sufficient nourishment.” This is one of the interesting facts you should definitely share with your vegetarian friends!
Fact: There are more than 1,000 poisonous marine animals
When we think of poisonous animals, we usually think of snakes or spiders. But although all spiders are venomous, fewer than 30 are actually dangerous to humans, and although there are about 600 venomous snakes, the biggest group of poisonous animals is found in … the ocean. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, you find out there are 1,200 poisonous marine creatures. Some of the most dangerous are puffer fish, lionfish, stonefish and the Australian box jellyfish.
Fact: Some sloths have more neck bones than giraffes
We know you love to look at adorable sloth pictures—but the next time you see one, consider this interesting fact: Despite the difference in neck length, there are more bones in the neck of a three-fingered sloth than a giraffe. There are seven vertebrae in the neck of a giraffe, as in most mammals, but a three-fingered sloth can have eight or nine.
Fact: Bees can fly higher than Mount Everest
Bees can fly high as high as 30,000 feet above sea level, according to Discover magazine. That’s higher than Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, which is 29,029 feet above sea level.
Fact: Ancient Egyptians used dead mice to ease toothaches
In ancient Egypt, people put a dead mouse in their mouth if they had a toothache, according to David Haviland’s 2010 book Why You Should Store Your Farts in a Jar. Mice were also used as a warts remedy in Elizabethan England—after being cut in half, they’d be applied to the spot.
Fact: Paint used to be stored in pig bladders
The bladder would be sealed with a string and then pricked to get the paint out. This option wasn’t the best because it would often break open. American painter John G. Rand was the innovator who, in the 19th century, made paint tubes from tin and screw caps.
Fact: Humans have jumped farther than horses
The Guinness World Record for the longest human long jump is greater than the world record for longest horse long jump. Mike Powell set the record in the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo by jumping 8.95 meters, and the horse Something set the record in 1975 by jumping 8.40 meters.
Fact: The Terminator script was sold for $1
This flick isn’t just known for its famous movie quotes. James Cameron, now the award-winning director of blockbusters like Titanic and Avatar, always went to extremes for his movies. In order to get his big break with The Terminator, he sold the script for $1 and the promise that he’d direct it.
Fact: Pigeon poop was once the property of the British Crown
Bet you didn’t know this strange fact about the British royal family: In the 18th century, pigeon poop was used to make gunpowder, so King George I declared the droppings to be the property of the Crown.
Fact: Onions were found in the eyes of an Egyptian mummy
Pharaoh Ramses IV of ancient Egypt had his eyes replaced with small onions when he was mummified. The rings and layers of onions were worshipped because people thought they represented eternal life. This aligns with the reason for mummification: to allow the pharaoh to live forever.
Ren Ecosystem