Ask Rachel

Interesting fact: One zucchini is actually a zucchina. Stare at that word for a while, and tell me it doesn’t trip you out.

Interesting fact: Contronyms are single words with two conflicting definitions. Like, “to dust” means both “cover in fine particles” and “remove fine particles.” How do we even communicate?

Interesting fact: The fake baseball audience sounds (which come from a video game) are actually played over stadium speakers. Which only intensifies the cardboard cutout horror vibe.

Interesting fact: The “odo-” in “odometer” comes from the Greek “hodos,” meaning “way,” via the French odometer. That word is the only enduring contribution France ever made to the modern automotive industry. 

Interesting fact: Body farm research at the Forensic Investigation Research Station at Colorado Mesa University inadvertently discovered that, yes, given the chance, cats really will eat your dead body.

 

Interesting fact: For what it’s worth, the roads go both ways: Coloradans are most likely to move to California and Texas, too. They’re lucky to have us.

Interesting fact: The most iconic Minnesota chain restaurant, according to some internet source, is Dairy Queen. So next time you miss your hockey pucks and your flip flops in winter, just head on over to Cortez or Aztec for a genuine Minne-Blizzard.

Interesting fact: Want to feel old, no matter your age? “The Far Side” ran for 15 years, and it’s been out of commission for 25. On the plus side, your 1992 “Far Side” calendar will work again this year.

Interesting fact: Dr. I.M. Nick, a nomenclature scholar, says, “The use of a personal name to refer to an entire group(ing) of people is a long-documented, cross-cultural, linguistic phenomenon.” She also has a killer name for a former president of the American Name Society.

Interesting fact: Time called “Wiggle Wiggle” the worst Dylan song: it “sounds like the theme song to one of those tripped-out television shows beloved by toddlers and drug users.” I liked the song before I even heard it.

Interesting fact: If you haven’t looked into the Folgers incest ad debacle ... go for it.

Interesting fact: Smartwatch manufacturers recommend wearing their products on your, ahem, non-dominant hand to avoid falsely inflating step counts throughout the day. No mention of people who use one of the numerous two-handed methods.

Interesting fact: If you can sub the word with “he” or “she,” use who. If “him” or “her” fits better, use “whom.” Like this: “Me and whom literally died watching half-masked idiots at 8 a.m. this morning.”