Chuckles: 50 Funny Facts to Tickle Your Fancy

Read Time:5 Minute, 59 Second

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, feast your eyes on this delightful assortment of 50 funny facts.

Did you know that the word “gobbledygook” means language that is meaningless or hard to understand? Sounds like my last trip to the pub, if you ask me.
In ancient Rome, the punishment for killing one’s father was to be sewn into a sack with a viper, a dog, and a rooster, then thrown into the river. Talk about a cruel version of Noah’s Ark!
The first recorded game of baseball took place in 1846, in Hoboken, New Jersey. That’s before even Queen Victoria got her knickers in a twist!
In 1963, French artist Yves Klein registered the colour “International Klein Blue” as a trademark. Now that’s what I call a true “blue-blood”!
An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain. I won’t comment on any similarities to certain politicians.
The shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar in 1896, lasting a mere 38-45 minutes. Clearly, we were in a hurry for afternoon tea.
In 1923, jockey Frank Hayes won a race at Belmont Park, New York, despite being dead. He suffered a heart attack mid-race but his body remained in the saddle until his horse crossed the finish line. Talk about dedication!
The word “avocado” comes from the Nahuatl word “ahuacatl,” meaning testicle. I suppose that puts a new spin on the phrase “having a pair.”
In medieval Europe, animals could be put on trial for crimes. Let’s hope they had a good barrister!
The first recorded game of cricket took place in 1646 in Kent, England. A sticky wicket indeed!
A “buttload” is an actual measurement of volume, equivalent to 126 gallons. That’s enough to throw a proper British bash!
A jiffy is a real unit of time, equal to one-hundredth of a second. I’ll be back in a jiffy… see, that wasn’t long at all!
The longest English word without a vowel is “rhythms.” Try saying that five times fast after a pint or two.
The world’s largest recorded snowflake was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. Now that’s what I call a proper snowball!
In 2013, a Chinese businessman bought a painting for $4.8 million and then promptly destroyed it to avoid paying import taxes. That’s one way to dodge the taxman!
The inventor of the Frisbee, Walter Frederick Morrison, was cremated and had his ashes turned into a Frisbee. Catch!
The phrase “bring home the bacon” comes from an ancient English tradition where newlyweds were given a side of bacon as a wedding gift. Bacon truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
In 2007, the Iranian government arrested 14 squirrels for espionage. I always knew those bushy-tailed critters were up to no good.
Did you know that the word “swims” still reads “swims” when turned upside down? Go on, give it a try – just don’t spill your tea!
In 1929, researchers discovered that the Grand Canyon could store approximately 900 trillion confetti pieces. I guess that makes it the world’s largest party venue!
A “quidnunc” is a person who is eager to know the latest news or gossip. You might say they have a “nose for news.”
The world’s oldest known joke dates back to 1900 BC and is a Sumerian fart joke. Some things never change, do they?
In 1939, Adolf Hitler was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Talk about irony!
The word “nerd” was first coined by none other than Dr. Seuss in his 1950 book, “If I Ran the Zoo.” Who knew?
The city of Boring in Oregon, USA, has a sister city called Dull in Scotland. There’s a third town called Bland in Australia – sounds like a riveting trio!
There are more fake flamingos in the world than real ones. Now that’s a sobering thought for our pink-feathered friends.
The shortest scientific paper ever published was just two sentences long. The author must have been a man of few words!
A group of ferrets is called a “business.” I wonder if they wear tiny suits and carry miniature briefcases.
In ancient Rome, urine was used as a tooth whitener. Well, that puts a whole new spin on the phrase “pearly whites.”
The Hawaiian alphabet only contains 12 letters. I suppose that makes spelling bees a breeze!
In 2013, a Canadian dentist bought John Lennon’s tooth for £19,500 and planned to clone the former Beatle. Because who wouldn’t want a spare Lennon lying about?
In 18th century England, it was fashionable for ladies to wear small, decorative potato-like ornaments in their hair. That’s just spud-tacular!
The word “trampoline” comes from the Spanish word “trampolin,” which means “diving board.” I suppose it’s all about taking the plunge!
There’s an island in the Bahamas inhabited solely by swimming pigs. Sounds like hog heaven!
You can’t hum while holding your nose closed. Don’t believe me? Give it a try!
A “cwtch” is a Welsh term for a hug that provides a safe place for someone. We could all use a cwtch now and then, couldn’t we?
The word “pandemonium” comes from John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and means “all demons.” Quite the opposite of a heavenly experience, I’d say.
A duel between three people is called a truel. May the odds be ever in your favour!
In 2012, a Swedish man survived for two months trapped in his snow-covered car by eating snow and hibernating. Now that’s a frosty tale of survival!
The word “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is 34 letters long and was invented for the 1964 film “Mary Poppins.” Try fitting that on a Scrabble board!
A group of jellyfish is called a “smack.” Just don’t get smacked by their stingers!
In 1977, a radio signal from deep space called the “WOW!” signal was detected but has never been explained. Aliens, perhaps?
Beethoven’s favourite fruit was reportedly the humble apple. An apple a day keeps the symphonies at bay?
The colour orange was named after the fruit, not the other way around. Now that’s a juicy fact!
In 1993, San Francisco held a referendum on whether to ban the sale of goldfish. Talk about fishy politics!
A “lawn mullet” is a term for a well-manicured front yard and an unkempt backyard. Sounds like a landscaping faux pas!
The word “clue” originally meant a ball of thread, which comes from the Greek myth of Theseus using a ball of thread to find his way out of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. I guess we’ve been unravelling mysteries ever since!
In 1386, a pig was executed in France for the murder of a child. Talk about the ultimate case of swine flu!
The word “taser” is actually an acronym for “Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle,” which was inspired by a science fiction novel. Shocking, isn’t it?
And finally, the Canary Islands were not named after canary birds, but rather after the Latin word “canaria,” which means “dog.” I guess it’s time to let sleeping dogs lie!