Understanding everything around us isn’t always easy. Sometimes, we come across objects that leave us puzzled. Thankfully, the internet is full of helpful and knowledgeable people who can solve these little mysteries in no time. Here are 9 surprising discoveries that have fascinating explanations.
1. “We received this as a wedding gift years ago, but the giver won’t tell us what it is!”
Answer: It’s a cheese holder, designed to help you slice cheese without touching the block.
Many years ago, my acquaintance received this unusual wooden thing as a wedding present. It was handed by a distant relative, who smiled mysteriously and did not explain anything. The object was little, with wooden prongs; it resembled a cross between a comb and a holder for something unknown. At first glance, it appeared to be purely decorative.
To avoid appearing disrespectful, my friend thanked the sender and carefully stored the gift in the closet. Years passed, and the mystery object was relocated from shelf to shelf, apartment to apartment, causing bewilderment. He even tried to guess its purpose: an earring holder? A mini-brush dryer? Is this an art object?
But one evening, when searching through his belongings and coming across it again, we got down and resolved to finally figure out what it was. We accessed the internet, uploaded a photo, and visited forums… I finally found the answer.
It turned out to be a cheese holder. An strange but extremely useful kitchen accessory: it allows you to cut and serve cheese without touching it with your hands. Convenient, sanitary, and even with a twist. But there’s one question that even the internet can’t answer: why would someone present such a thing at a wedding without explaining what it is?
2. “What is this plastic dolphin with slits?”
Answer: It’s a dive toy, similar to dive sticks you throw into a pool to retrieve while swimming.
3. “This is half wood, half marble, with two semi-circle dips and a mini spoon. What is it?”
Answer: It’s a salt and pepper pinch pot.
4. “I bought a big pack of groceries and received this item for free. What is it?”
Answer: It’s an orange peeler.
5. “What is this thing I found in my grandfather’s closet?”
Answer: It’s a tool for picking up sugar cubes.
6. “What’s this? It has a hole just big enough for a fingertip and two nubs that look like it clips to something.”
Answer: It’s a keyboard key remover, used to help install or remove keys for cleaning or customization.
7. “What’s this electric tool? When plugged in and turned on, it vibrates intensely.”
Answer: It’s a Swedish massager. You put your hand through the springs, and it vibrates your hand as you massage someone.
8. “This object is 3 inches long, with a nylon body and red rubbery ends. It’s light and hollow, making no noise when shaken.”
Answer: It’s a kururin, a Japanese fidget toy.
9. “What are these two plastic hook-shaped tools with double forks on the end used for?”
Answer: They are tick removal tools, called “tick twisters.”