› added 7 years ago

181

TIL that the phrase “close, but no cigar” originated from carnivals/fairs using cigars as prizes in the early 20th century. After playing a game but not winning they would say close, but no cigar. Sense these carnivals traveled all over the place, it became a well known saying.

Read more wordorigins.org

via ift.tt

9wrrp TIL that the national animal of Scotland is the unicorn
nea0o TIL Although rarely seen alive, in 2015 a Giant squid swam into a harbor near Tokyo on Christmas Eve. A diver jumped into the water to film and swam close to the squid for several minutes before it returned to the ocean.
BdOd TIL Walter White is also the name of a jazz musician who has a new album entitled “Breaking Good”
Z8bEY TIL That on September 27th, 1920 the American Professional Football Association (APFA) was founded in Canton. This league would later change its name to the National Football League.
5ElR TIL Michael Bloomberg spent $650 million of his own money during his time as NYC mayor. Footing the bill for many expenses and donating hundreds of millions to better the city. “In the past, the city paid its mayor; Mr. Bloomberg paid to be the city’s mayor.”