Common misconceptions often become widely accepted as truth, leading to a fascinating disconnect between popular belief and historical fact. For instance, many everyday expressions and cultural assumptions have surprising origins that contradict what most people assume.

The world around us is filled with these unexpected realities, from the origins of modern slang terms dating back much further than we might expect, to misunderstandings about animal behavior and even human sensory capabilities that challenge our conventional wisdom. Even historical events that form the foundation of national narratives sometimes differ significantly from how they're commonly portrayed.

Key Takeaways

The exclamation "OMG" dates back to 1917, first appearing in correspondence to Winston Churchill, much earlier than most people realize.
Bulls react aggressively in bullfighting due to threatening movements and prior agitation with spears, not because of the color red, as they are actually colorblind.
Human auditory perception is sophisticated enough to distinguish between hot and cold water based on viscosity-related sound differences, while many historical distress signals and landing sites are commonly misrepresented.

Historical Origin of 'OMG'

The popular acronym 'OMG' has a surprisingly long history that predates modern text messaging and internet culture by decades. The first documented use of 'OMG' occurred in 1917 in correspondence to Winston Churchill. This letter represents the earliest known instance where the abbreviation for "Oh my God" appeared in written form.

The longevity of this expression is remarkable considering many assume it originated with digital communication in the late 20th century. Despite its current association with casual online conversation, the acronym has survived for over a century since its first appearance.

This early usage demonstrates how language shortcuts existed long before the digital age necessitated brevity in communication. The fact that such abbreviations were used in formal correspondence to prominent political figures like Churchill further highlights how language evolution transcends technological developments.

Misconceptions about Bulls and Colors

Bulls are often portrayed as becoming enraged when they see the color red, particularly in bullfighting contexts. This common belief has persisted for generations, but it is entirely false. Bulls, like many other cattle, are actually colorblind. They cannot distinguish red from other colors.

The real reason bulls charge during bullfights has nothing to do with the color of the matador's cape. What truly agitates bulls is the movement of the cape and, more significantly, the trauma they experience before entering the ring. Bulls are typically subjected to spears and other injuries to weaken and provoke them before the bullfighter even appears.

This misconception about bulls and red is similar to other widely held but incorrect beliefs. For instance, many people believe SOS stands for "Save Our Ship" or "Save Our Souls," when in fact it was chosen as a distress signal simply because the Morse code pattern (three dots, three dashes, three dots) is easy to transmit and recognize in emergency situations.

Auditory Perception of Water Temperature

Temperature differences in water can actually be detected through sound alone. When water is poured, hot and cold water produce distinctly different sounds due to their physical properties. This phenomenon relates to water viscosity, which changes with temperature.

Cold water has higher viscosity than hot water, making it thicker and more resistant to flow. This increased thickness results in lower frequency sounds when poured. Hot water, being less viscous, produces higher frequency sounds.

Human hearing can be remarkably sensitive to these subtle differences. Studies have shown that many people can distinguish between hot and cold water simply by listening to it being poured, with accuracy rates approaching 100%. This ability doesn't require special training, though some individuals demonstrate greater sensitivity to these auditory cues than others.

The difference becomes most noticeable when pouring water into containers like cups or sinks. The temperature-dependent sound variations are consistent and reproducible under controlled conditions, making this an interesting example of how our senses can detect physical properties beyond their primary function.

Interpretation of SOS

The distress signal SOS does not actually stand for "Save Our Ship" or "Save Our Souls" as commonly believed. This widespread misconception has persisted for many years, but it has no historical basis.

SOS was chosen as an international distress signal because of its simplicity in Morse code. The sequence consists of three dots, followed by three dashes, followed by three more dots (· · · — — — · · ·). This pattern creates a distinctive and unmistakable signal that can be easily transmitted and recognized, even under difficult conditions.

The simplicity of transmission was paramount when selecting this signal. In emergency situations, clarity and ease of communication are essential factors. The pattern's rhythmic nature makes it recognizable even to operators with minimal training or those under extreme stress.

Where the First Pilgrims Actually Landed

The common belief that the first pilgrims landed directly at Plymouth Rock is historically inaccurate. In fact, the pilgrims first arrived in Provincetown, not Plymouth.

The initial landing occurred in Provincetown, where the pilgrims spent approximately five weeks before continuing their journey. It was only after this period that they reached Plymouth Rock, which would later become the more famous landing site in American historical narratives.

This historical detail is often overlooked in popular retellings of early American settlement. The five-week gap between the actual first landing and the arrival at Plymouth Rock represents an important period during which the pilgrims were assessing their surroundings and determining where to establish their permanent settlement.

Understanding this chronology helps provide a more accurate picture of the pilgrims' journey and early experiences in the New World. The Provincetown landing deserves recognition as the true first point of contact with what would become the United States.

10 Surprising Historical Misconceptions That Most People Believe Are True