The myths of childhood—a whimsical collection of “facts” that shaped our early understanding of the world and, quite frankly, did a pretty good job of keeping us entertained. But as time marches on, many of these tales have been debunked, demystified, or simply rendered obsolete by the steady march of science and common sense. So, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the strange myths many Americans grew up with that just aren’t true anymore.
1. Swimming After Eating Causes Cramping
For decades, it was a universally accepted truth that you must wait at least 30 minutes after eating before taking the plunge into any body of water. This rule was strictly enforced at countless summer camps and backyard pool parties, under the fear that a full stomach would lead to crippling cramps and, inevitably, drowning. But modern science has taken a deep dive into this notion and found it floating in a sea of unfounded worries.
While digestion does require some blood flow to the stomach, it’s not nearly enough to incapacitate your muscles or cause severe cramping when you swim. Dr. Roshini Raj, a gastroenterologist, mentions that a minor discomfort might occur if you indulge in a heavy meal, but it’s no different from the discomfort you’d feel engaging in any vigorous activity after eating. So, feel free to enjoy that post-barbecue swim without a second thought.
2. Shaving Makes Your Hair Grow Back Thicker
Here’s the age-old myth that gave every budding teenager pause before reaching for the razor: the belief that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, darker, and somehow more menacing. Grandparents and older siblings alike would caution against the initial shave, warning it could unleash a furrier future. Yet, like many urban legends, this one simply doesn’t hold water when held up to scientific scrutiny.
When you shave, you’re merely cutting the hair off at the surface of the skin, not altering its structure or growth pattern. Hair might appear thicker because shaving gives it a blunt tip, which can feel more stubbly and coarse as it grows out. Moreover, the color and growth rate of your hair are determined by genetics, not by the razor in your hand. So, shave away without fear of morphing into a werewolf.
3. Lightning Never Strikes The Same Place Twice
The idea that lightning never strikes the same place twice is a comforting notion—but a flawed one. This myth likely took root as a metaphorical reassurance, suggesting that misfortune won’t happen to the same person twice. But when it comes to the natural world, lightning is an equal-opportunity phenomenon with no qualms about revisiting its favorite spots.
In fact, the Empire State Building is struck by lightning about 23 times per year, according to the National Weather Service. Lightning is attracted to tall, pointy, and isolated structures, making them repeat targets. The reality is that lightning can and does strike the same place multiple times, which is why lightning rods and safety precautions exist. So, while the odds might be low, don’t take shelter under misconceptions during a storm.
4. Eating Carrots Improves Your Night Vision
If you grew up being force-fed carrots by well-meaning parents, you might have been promised the reward of superhero-like night vision. This myth finds its roots in wartime propaganda and a clever marketing campaign but has since been peeled away to reveal the truth. Carrots are indeed good for your eyes, thanks to their beta-carotene content, which the body converts to vitamin A.
However, the notion that they will significantly enhance your ability to see in the dark is, quite literally, a carrot dangled in front of you. While a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness, consuming extra carrots won’t give you the nocturnal acuity of an owl. Your night vision will remain firmly in the realm of human capabilities, no matter how many carrots you munch.
5. Gum Takes Seven Years To Digest
The idea that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years is a tale as sticky as the gum itself. Parents across America wielded this myth as a deterrent against careless swallowing, conjuring images of an ever-expanding gum wad lodged in your intestines. But gastroenterologists have long debunked this myth, clarifying that gum doesn’t defy the laws of digestion.
According to Dr. David Milov of the Nemours Children’s Clinic, while gum is indigestible, it doesn’t linger in your stomach like a squatter overstaying its welcome. It travels through the digestive system at the same pace as other consumed food and is eventually excreted. So, while swallowing gum isn’t advisable, it’s not the long-term commitment you might think.
6. Cracking Your Knuckles Leads To Arthritis
The sound of knuckles cracking can send shivers down some spines and bring immense satisfaction to others. But for years, many believed that this habit was a one-way ticket to arthritis-ville. This myth has been passed down through generations, often accompanied by stern warnings from elders who themselves had joints that creaked like old floorboards.
However, studies have demonstrated that knuckle cracking is relatively harmless and not linked to arthritis. The popping sound is simply gas bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid of the joints. If you enjoy the sensation, go ahead and crack away; just know that the only consequence might be a few annoyed glances from those around you.
7. Touching A Toad Will Give You Warts
Poor toads and their undeserved reputation! The tale that handling these amphibians would curse you with a smattering of warts is as widespread as it is untrue. This myth likely stems from the toad’s bumpy skin, which is reminiscent of warts, rather than any real danger posed by the creature.
Dr. John Rossi, a herpetologist, clarifies that human warts are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family, not by toads or frogs. In fact, most of these amphibians are harmless to touch and are more likely to urinate on you in an attempt to escape than to inflict a dermatological curse. So, next time you’re in a marshy setting, feel free to gently meet a toad without fear.
8. Bulls Hate The Color Red
The image of a charging bull, provoked by a matador’s red cape, is ingrained in popular culture. This myth persists, despite the truth being more complex and less colorful. Bulls, like most cattle, are actually colorblind to red, meaning they don’t see the cape as a fiery insult.
What actually provokes the bull is the movement of the cape, not its color. This myth has been perpetuated by the tradition of bullfighting, where the red cape—known as a muleta—serves to mask any bloodstains and adds drama to the spectacle. In reality, bulls are reacting to motions, not hues, so you can wear red without fear of attracting their ire.
9. You Swallow Eight Spiders A Year In Your Sleep
The thought of involuntarily ingesting spiders while you slumber is enough to keep anyone awake at night. However, this chilling myth is more fiction than fact, spun from the web of internet lore rather than any scientific study. The likelihood of a spider wandering into your mouth during sleep is slim to none.
Spiders are generally oppositional to the idea of climbing into a warm, moist cavern like a human mouth. Experts agree that the vibrations of a sleeping human would deter a spider from approaching, as they prefer quiet, undisturbed places to spin their webs. So, rest easy knowing your midnight snack list is arachnid-free.
10. Your Hair And Nails Keep Growing After Death
The notion that hair and nails continue their growth spree post-mortem is a haunting thought, fueling macabre imaginations for generations. While this idea has a touch of the gothic, it’s more illusion than reality. After death, the body undergoes dehydration, which causes the skin to retract and gives the appearance of longer hair and nails.
Dr. William Maples, a forensic anthropologist, clarifies that actual growth requires active cell division, which halts once the body stops functioning. The post-mortem illusion is merely a trick of the eye, not a ghoulish continuation of life. So, while it may make for a spooky story, the science tells a more grounded tale.
11. The Five-Second Rule
The infamous five-second rule—a friend to clumsy eaters everywhere—suggests that food dropped on the floor is still safe to eat if picked up within five seconds. This myth implies a grace period where germs politely wait before invading your tasty morsel. But alas, germs are not so courteous.
Studies have shown that bacteria can transfer to food almost instantaneously upon contact with a contaminated surface. The type of flooring, the moisture of the food, and the presence of bacteria all play a role, making the five-second rule more of a hopeful guideline than a hygienic guarantee. So, while it might be tempting to rescue that fallen snack, it’s best to weigh the risks before indulging.
12. Ostriches Bury Their Heads In The Sand
The image of an ostrich with its head buried in the sand is often used to portray someone in denial or avoiding reality. This enduring myth paints the ostrich as a comically timid creature, hoping to hide from trouble by disappearing underground. However, the truth is that ostriches have far more practical reasons for their behavior.
When ostriches are seen lowering their heads, they are typically tending to their eggs or inspecting the ground for food. The idea of sand-burying likely emerged from observing them rest their heads on the ground, a behavior mistaken for concealment. In reality, these birds are anything but cowardly, and are quite adept at defending themselves when threatened.
13. You Only Use 10% Of Your Brain
The myth that humans utilize only 10% of their brainpower has fueled countless stories of untapped potential and hidden genius. This tantalizing idea suggests that within us lies a vast reservoir of dormant intellect, waiting to be unlocked. However, neuroscience has thoroughly debunked this notion, revealing that the entire brain is active, even during simple tasks.
Brain imaging technologies, such as MRI and PET scans, show that even mundane activities require coordination across multiple regions of the brain. While it’s true that certain areas specialize in specific functions, the idea of a mostly-unused brain is a cinematic exaggeration rather than a scientific one. So, rest assured that your brain is working hard, even if you’re not solving quantum physics problems in your sleep.
