常见英语冷知识(英语冷知识百科大全)

r>1. The origin of the phrase "rule of thumb" The phrase "rule of thumb" is often used to refer to a general principle or thumb-sized measurement. However, its origin is not as innocent as it may seem. The phrase comes from an old English common law which allowed men to beat their wives with a stick as long as it was no thicker than their thumb. This barbaric law was eventually abolished, but the phrase "rule of thumb" remained as a reminder of this dark past.
2. The longest word in the English language The longest word in the English language is not "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" as many people believe. In fact, the longest word is "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis", which is a type of lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust. This word has 45 letters and is often used to challenge spelling bee contestants.
3. The meaning of "OK" The word "OK" is one of the most commonly used words in the English language. Its origin, however, is still a matter of debate. Some believe it comes from the Choctaw word "okeh", which means "it is so". Others believe it comes from the Greek word "olokliros", which means "all complete". Whatever its origin, "OK" has become a universal expression of agreement or approval.
4. The original color of carrots Carrots were originally purple, white, and yellow in color, but not orange. The orange carrot we commonly see today was developed in the 16th century by Dutch farmers as a tribute to the House of Orange, the ruling family of the Netherlands at the time.
5. The real reason behind the "five-second rule" Many people believe that if they drop food on the floor but pick it up within five seconds, it is still safe to eat. However, this is just a myth. The truth is that bacteria can contaminate food instantly upon contact with a surface, and the length of time it spends on the floor has no bearing on its safety.
6. The meaning of the term "shotgun" The term "shotgun" is commonly used to refer to the front passenger seat of a car. Its origin can be traced back to the days of stagecoaches, when the person sitting next to the driver would carry a shotgun to protect against bandits. Over time, this seat became known as the "shotgun seat" and the term has stuck to this day.
7. The reason why fingers wrinkle in water Have you ever wondered why your fingers and toes wrinkle after being in water for a long time? The reason is actually a natural response by our bodies to improve grip on wet surfaces. When we soak in water for an extended period, the outer layer of our skin absorbs water, causing it to expand. However, the skin on our fingers and toes is less flexible than the skin on the rest of our body, resulting in wrinkles which provide better traction underwater.
8. The real reason for the "no white after Labor Day" rule The "no white after Labor Day" rule has been a long-standing fashion tradition in the Western world. However, its origin can be traced back to the early 20th century when the wealthy elite would return to the city after their summer holidays. To mark the end of the vacation season, they would stop wearing their lighter, summer clothes such as white linen and switch back to their heavier, darker fall and winter attire. This tradition eventually evolved into the rule we know today.