1

Nike’s Swoosh was created for $35

Image: Shubham Mittal

Yes, it was. The iconic Nike swoosh was sketched in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student, for the grand sum of $35. She was helping out a friend—Nike co-founder Phil Knight—who needed a logo for his up-and-coming sneaker brand.

Years later, as Nike soared, the company gave her a thank-you gift: a gold swoosh ring and stock options that ended up being worth millions .

2

Coca-Cola originally contained cocaine

Image: Olena Bohovyk

It sounds like an urban legend, but it’s true: early versions of Coca-Cola did contain coca leaf extract , which naturally included trace amounts of cocaine. When pharmacist John Pemberton invented the drink in 1886, it was marketed as a "brain tonic" and nerve remedy, back when cocaine was legal and considered medicinal. By 1929, the formula was fully decocainized.

3

Neither Ben nor Jerry had any previous business experience

Image: Hybrid Storytellers

Absolutely. Longtime friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield took a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making from Penn State and launched their first scoop shop in a converted gas station in Vermont in 1978.

4

Barbie was based on a German adult doll

Image: Peyman Shojaei

True! She sure was. In the 1950s, Ruth Handler spotted a German novelty doll called Bild Lilli while on vacation. Originally sold as a gag gift for men, Lilli was fashionable, curvy, and definitely not meant for children. But Handler saw potential: she reimagined Lilli as a stylish role model for girls, and the first Barbie debuted in 1959.

5

Milton Hershey missed the Titanic voyage

Image: Janne Simoes

He definitely wasn’t on board—lucky for him! But just how close he came to sailing is uncertain. Legend has it that Milton Hershey and his wife were set to sail on the Titanic in 1912, but canceled at the last minute.

The only clue? A check stub showing a $300 deposit to the White Star Line. While there’s no confirmed ticket, the story has stuck.

6

GM hated (and banned) the nickname "Chevy"

Image: Jose Mueses

This one is partially true. In 2010, GM sent a memo urging employees to stop using the nickname "Chevy" in favor of the full "Chevrolet." The public backlash was swift—critics called the move tone-deaf. After all, "Chevy" was beloved, catchy, and woven into Americana.

Within days, the company backpedaled , assuring fans that "Chevy" wasn’t going anywhere. You just can’t mess with a nickname that’s already set in people’s hearts.

7

Apple was named after the forbidden fruit

Image: TheRegisti

Not quite. Steve Jobs chose the name "Apple" in 1976 because it sounded "fun, spirited, and not intimidating." It also gave the young company a strategic edge—it came before "Atari" in the phone book, which mattered in the era of printed directories.

8

Starbucks was named after Moby Dick’s first mate

Image: Athar Khan

Yes, though it was a winding path. The founders were searching for a name that evoked the seafaring tradition of coffee trading. After toying with " Pequod " (Captain Ahab’s ship), they landed on "Starbuck"—the first mate in Moby-Dick and a name with a strong, classic ring to it.

9

Harley-Davidson was going bankrupt, but its logo saved it

Image: Donald Teel

This one is sort of true. In the early 1980s, Harley-Davidson was revving on empty. The rise of Japanese bikes had them cornered—until the brand leaned hard into nostalgia . The bar-and-shield logo, dating back to 1910, became the centerpiece of a marketing push built on American pride, leather jackets, and the unmistakable growl of a V-twin engine.

It worked. The logo became a badge of rebellion, and Harley rebounded.

10

There’s an arrow hidden in FedEx’s logo

Image: Toni Pomar

Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Look closely between the "E" and the "x" in the FedEx logo—there’s a white arrow formed by the negative space. It’s a perfect symbol for speed, direction, and efficiency.

The logo was designed in 1994 by Lindon Leader, and the hidden arrow was no accident. It’s a subtle nod to the company’s core promise: to get it there fast .

11

"Breakfast at Tiffany’s" launched the brand

Image: Sam Lashbrooke

False! Breakfast at Tiffany’s didn’t launch the brand. Tiffany & Co. had been around since 1837, known for fine jewelry and that iconic blue box. However, after the 1961 film, Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress and wistful gaze into the Tiffany’s shop window helped cement the brand’s image of elegance .

12

Levi’s blue jeans were created for gold miners

Image: Varun Gaba

Absolutely. In 1873, Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis patented durable denim trousers with copper rivets— perfect for miners during the California Gold Rush . The jeans were tough, practical, and ideal for the grueling work conditions out west. In time, what began as rugged workwear became an American icon.

13

Amazon was named after "the biggest river"

Image: Sunrise King

Yes, it was intentional. Jeff Bezos wanted a name that conveyed vastness, exoticism, and would appear early in web listings . "Amazon" fit the bill—although it could have been named "Nile," which is often cited as the world’s longest river. Bezos liked the idea of building the biggest online store in the world, just like the Amazon is the biggest river by volume.

1

"Mad tight"

Image: Andre Benz

Where it is used: New Jersey / New York

In the Northeastern U.S., particularly in New Jersey and New York, "mad tight" is used to describe something that's very cool or impressive. For example, "That concert was mad tight!" This usage reflects the region's tendency to intensify expressions for emphasis.

2

"Lagniappe"

Image: Joe Lavigne

Where it is used: Louisiana

In Louisiana, "lagniappe" refers to a little something extra, often given as a bonus. A French Creole term derived from a Quechua word, this quirky expression reflects the state’s rich cultural blend and tradition of generous hospitality.

3

"Bless your heart"

Image: Dani Guitarra

Where it is used: Southern United States

In the South, "bless your heart" can be a genuine expression of sympathy or, depending on the tone, a polite way to say someone is naive. This phrase highlights the region's emphasis on politeness and layered communication.

4

"Pop"

Image: Troy Coroles

Where it is used: Midwest and parts of the Northeast

In many Midwestern and Northeastern states, "pop" is the preferred term for a carbonated soft drink. Conversely, in the South, "coke" is commonly used to refer to any type of soda, regardless of brand.

5

"Spodie"

Image: wes lewis

Where it is used: Pacific Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Seattle, a "spodie" is an outdoor high school party where attendees share a large container of mixed alcohol and sugary drinks.

6

"Wicked"

Image: Venti Views

Where it is used: New England

In New England, especially in Massachusetts, "wicked" is used as an intensifier, meaning very . For example, "It's wicked cold outside." This usage is a distinctive feature of the New England dialect.

7

"Fixin' to"

Image: Adiel Gavish

Where it is used: Southern United States

In the South, "fixin' to" means preparing to do something soon. For instance, "I'm fixin' to go to the store."

8

"Hella"

Image: Scott Webb

Where it is used: Northern California

In Northern California, particularly in the Bay Area, "hella" is used to mean a lot or very. For example, "That party was hella fun." While scholars aren’t certain whether it originated as a contraction of "hell of a" or from the similarly used word "hellacious," it remains a hallmark of local vernacular.

9

"Y'all"

Image: Helena Lopes

Where it is used: Southern United States

"Y'all" is a contraction of "you all" and is commonly used in the South to address a group. It's a defining feature of Southern speech and culture.

10

"Jawn"

Image: Heidi Kaden

Where it is used: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Jawn" is a versatile term from Philadelphia that can refer to anything —a person, place, or thing. For instance, "Pass me that jawn over there." According to some sources, it originated as a slang pronunciation of the word "joint" in African American Vernacular English.

1

San Francisco, California

Image: Belle Co

San Francisco was never officially a state capital, but there was a 9-month period during the early governance of California when the capitol stood in the city’s Merchant’s Exchange building .

The seat of California’s capital moved multiple times among cities, including Monterey, San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia. In the mid-19th century, it settled in Sacramento, strategically situated at the confluence of major rivers –which also meant proneness to flood . Severe flooding hit the city in the 1860s, temporarily incapacitating it as a state capital.

The administration then moved to San Francisco, which had been instrumental during the Gold Rush and remained a cultural and economic powerhouse. When Sacramento had recovered, though, the legislature moved back and it has remained the state capital since.

2

Savannah, Georgia

Image: Jessica Furtney

Savannah, the beautiful city in Georgia famous for its cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, was the state’s first colonial capital. It continued to hold the capitol following the American Revolution.

In the late 1700s, however, the capital moved inland to Augusta, where the population was growing. The decision was also meant to protect the government from potential coastal attacks .

Several cities served as capitals in the decades that followed, such as Louisville and Milledgeville. It wasn’t until a constitutional convention was held in Atlanta that the city’s potential as a state capital was recognized, and later realized.

3

St. Augustine, Florida

Image: Maddie DiFilippo

Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, like the Castillo de San Marcos fortress , St. Augustine was the capital of East Florida for hundreds of years, since Spanish rule.

When Florida became a U.S. territory, St. Augustine, on Florida's northeast coast, maintained its role as one of two capitals, alongside Pensacola, which served West Florida. However, the difficulty of travel between these two cities led to inefficiencies in governance.

A halfway point was set exactly at Tallahassee to make access easier for legislators of both sides. To this day, St. Augustine maintains many constructions and a strong heritage from its colonial past.

4

New Orleans, Louisiana

Image: Stella He

When Louisiana was admitted into the Union, vibrant New Orleans was the state capital, and it remained so for over 30 years until the government seat was changed to Baton Rouge.

New Orleans was the largest and most economically significant city in the state at the time, so it was a natural choice. Still, its location also posed challenges, like disease outbreaks that often plagued it, and the powerful political influence of the French Creole population .

Eventually, Baton Rouge became the official capital, and its new Gothic Revival-style capitol building opened in the mid-19th century. Today, New Orleans remains a cultural hub for the state and the country.

5

Lewiston, Idaho

Image: Anthony Camerlo

The original capital of Idaho was upstate Lewiston, a key shipping hub thanks to its access to river transport. But the discovery of gold in the Boise Basin meant that the population –and the riches– flew to southern Idaho.

With the majority of settlers now in the south, the capital's relocation was pushed. Lewiston residents did not take this lightly: They fiercely resisted losing the capital and went so far as to lock the territorial seal and papers in the town jail to prevent their removal.

Federal troops had to intervene to complete the relocation. Today, Lewiston still proudly proclaims itself as "Idaho's First Territorial Capital," a line displayed everywhere downtown.

6

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Image: donwhite84

Plymouth, located in southeastern Massachusetts on Plymouth Bay, was the landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620. For many decades it remained its capital until the colony merged with that in Massachusetts Bay.

After the merger, Boston, a city with a larger population and a central hub for trade and governance, was designated the new capital. But Plymouth is still considered "America's Hometown" and hosts elaborate Thanksgiving celebrations annually.

Plymouth will always retain its historical significance, such as being the home of Plymouth Rock , which commemorates the site of the disembarkation of the Mayflower Pilgrims.

7

Kingston, New York

Image: Amy Lavine, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kingston is located along the Hudson River in Ulster County, New York, with a scenic backdrop of the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains.

It retains its Revolutionary War-era stone buildings, historic landmarks, and its title as the "birthplace" of New York State's government; It was its first capital. But when it became a center for revolutionary activities in the late 18th century, British forces burned the city in retaliation.

Kingston was rebuilt, but it never regained its capital status. Albany was later chosen as the capital for its central location and strong infrastructure.

8

Detroit, Michigan

Image: Alex Brisbey

Detroit, a.k.a. "Motor City," is not just the center of the U.S. automotive industry, but was Michigan's first capital before it moved inland to Lansing.

Michigan Territory had Detroit as its center, and it remained so even after it became a state. But there were concerns over Detroit's proximity to the Canadian border , and, as with many other capitals, a desire to fix the capitol in the state’s center.

Lansing, just a small settlement at the time, was more accessible and more secure. Detroit didn’t stay behind, though; Its role as a transportation hub during the Industrial Revolution helped it become a manufacturing powerhouse .

9

Kaskaskia, Illinois

Image: Dave Hoefler

Kaskaskia is now nearly a ghost town , a quiet community of fewer than 20 residents. This is due to Mississippi River flooding and shifting channels –but it was once its state capital.

Situated in Randolph County, Illinois, near the Mississippi River, it’s uniquely located on the western bank of the river. In the early 19th century it was a center for trade and governance and remained the capital until the legislature decided to relocate to Vandalia.

Vandalia, inland and growing, was a reasonable choice back then, but it would be replaced by Springfield eventually, largely due to the efforts of Abraham Lincoln .

10

New Castle, Delaware

Image: jakob

New Castle served as Delaware’s colonial capital during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was here, in 1776, that Delaware declared independence from both Pennsylvania and Great Britain, establishing itself as a state.

The city’s location by the Delaware River was key during colonial times, but it also made it susceptible to British naval attacks during the American Revolution. That was why the seat was moved to Dover, although it wasn’t made the permanent capital until the 1780s.

New Castle still keeps its well-preserved colonial architecture, particularly in the district surrounding its courthouse.