Have you ever found yourself staring at an object, a concept, or even a strange phenomenon, wondering, “What is it called?” The world is full of fascinating things with unique names, some of which we encounter daily without knowing their proper terms. This article explores various objects, concepts, and phenomena that often leave people asking, “What is it called?”
Table of Contents
Common Objects and Their Lesser-Known Names
1. The Plastic Tip on Shoelaces (Aglet)
Have you ever noticed the small plastic or metal piece at the end of your shoelaces? It serves a practical purpose—preventing fraying and making it easier to thread the lace through eyelets. This tiny but essential part is called an aglet.
2. The Dot Over the Letters “i” and “j” (Tittle)
The small dot above the lowercase letters “i” and “j” has a name—tittle. This term comes from the Latin word titulus, meaning a small mark or inscription.
3. The Space Between Your Eyebrows (Glabella)
The smooth area between your eyebrows and just above the nose is known as the glabella. It’s often used in medical examinations to test reflexes.
4. The Wire Cage That Holds the Cork in a Bottle (Agraffe)
Champagne and some wine bottles have a wire cage that holds the cork in place. This metal fastener is called an agraffe.
5. The Fear of Long Words (Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia)
Ironically, the fear of long words has one of the longest names in the English language—hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia.
Everyday Actions and Their Technical Names
6. The Act of Stretching and Yawning (Pandiculation)
When you wake up and stretch your arms while yawning, you’re performing pandiculation—a reflex that helps relax muscles.
7. The Sound of Crackling Joints (Crepitus)
The popping or cracking sound from your knuckles or knees is called crepitus. It’s caused by gas bubbles in the synovial fluid.
8. The Unpleasant Sound of Fingernails on a Chalkboard (Grima)
That cringe-worthy sensation when you hear nails scraping a chalkboard is called grima (a Spanish-derived term describing this specific discomfort).
Nature and Science Phenomena
9. The Fluffy Part of a Dandelion (Pappus)
When a dandelion turns white and fluffy, the delicate, parachute-like structure that helps seeds disperse is called the pappus.
10. The Blue Haze Over Mountains (Atmospheric Perspective)
The bluish tint seen over distant mountains is due to atmospheric perspective, where light scatters through air molecules.
11. The Tiny Dents on Golf Balls (Dimples)
The small indentations on a golf ball are called dimples, and they help reduce air resistance for better flight.
Food and Culinary Terms
12. The White String on a Banana (Phloem Bundles)
The fibrous strands on a banana peel are called phloem bundles, which transport nutrients throughout the fruit.
13. The End Slice of a Loaf of Bread (Heel or Crust)
The first or last slice of a bread loaf is often called the heel or simply the crust.
14. The Little Plastic Piece in Pizza Boxes (Pizza Saver)
That small, three-legged plastic piece in pizza boxes prevents the lid from touching the cheese. It’s officially called a pizza saver or package saver.
Technology and Miscellaneous Terms
15. The “@” Symbol (At Sign or Commercial At)
The “@” symbol, commonly used in emails, is called the at sign or commercial at.
16. The Study of Flags (Vexillology)
If you’ve ever wondered what the study of flags is called, it’s vexillology.
17. The Fear of Friday the 13th (Paraskevidekatriaphobia)
The fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, derived from Greek words meaning “Friday,” “thirteen,” and “fear.”
FAQs About “What Is It Called?”
1. What is the fear of forgetting words called?
The fear of forgetting words or losing the ability to speak is called logophobia.
2. What is the name of the indentation above the upper lip?
The groove between the nose and upper lip is called the philtrum.
3. What is the study of word origins called?
The study of word origins and their historical changes is called etymology.
4. What is the tiny piece of plastic at the end of a charging cable called?
The small cylindrical part near the end of a charging cable is called a ferrite bead, which reduces electromagnetic interference.
5. What is the name of the plastic clip that holds bread bags closed?
The plastic clip used to seal bread bags is called a bread tag or bread clip.
6. What is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth called?
This oddly specific fear is called arachibutyrophobia.
7. What is the name of the “&” symbol?
The “&” symbol is called an ampersand.
8. What is the study of laughter called?
The study of laughter and its effects is called gelotology.
Conclusion
The world is filled with objects, actions, and phenomena that have unique and often surprising names. From the aglet on your shoelaces to the pappus of a dandelion, knowing the correct terms for these things can be both fun and enlightening. Next time you encounter something unfamiliar, you’ll be ready to ask—and answer—“What is it called?”