15 Hilarious Lies We Were All Told as Kids
Growing up, we all fell for a few tall tales that, looking back, are downright hilarious. From mythical consequences for our most innocent actions to wild explanations for everyday mysteries, these fibs were all part of the adventure of childhood. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at 15 of the funniest lies we were told as kids, and maybe even believed for a little too long.
Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
Remember the sheer panic after accidentally swallowing gum? We were convinced it would reside in our stomachs for years, a harmless but persistent myth that kept us cautious around bubble gum.
If You Cross Your Eyes, They’ll Stay That Way
The fear of being stuck with crossed eyes kept many of us from making faces at our friends. It’s one of those warnings that had us all a bit paranoid about our facial expressions.
Eating Carrots Will Give You Night Vision
Carrots do support eye health, but the idea they could grant us night vision had us munching on them with hopes of seeing in the dark. Unfortunately, no superpowers ensued.
Chocolate Milk Comes from Brown Cows
Some of us might chuckle at how believable we found the story of chocolate milk’s origins. This “dairy tale” was a whimsical but utterly false explanation that delighted our imaginations.
The Ice Cream Truck Only Plays Music When It’s Out of Ice Cream
Parents ingeniously avoided daily ice cream requests with this clever fib. The disappointment was real whenever we heard that jingle approaching.
Touching a Toad Will Give You Warts
This myth unfairly maligned toads everywhere, making us wary of these harmless amphibians. In reality, toads are warty, but totally wart-transmission-free.
If You Step on a Crack, You’ll Break Your Mother’s Back
Sidewalks became obstacle courses as we dodged cracks to protect our moms’ backs. It was a game of superstition and care, all based on a simple rhyme.
Your Pet Went to Live on a Farm
The “farm” became a euphemism for the loss of a pet, a gentle lie to soften the blow of saying goodbye. It was a well-meaning but misleading attempt to shield us from sadness.
Eating Watermelon Seeds Will Make One Grow in Your Stomach
The thought of a watermelon plant sprouting inside us was both terrifying and fascinating. Needless to say, many of us were cautious about swallowing seeds.
The Moon is Made of Cheese
This whimsical idea added a layer of mystery and hunger to our gaze at the night sky. Sadly, lunar cheese remains a delicious fantasy.
If You Make That Face, It’ll Freeze That Way
Silly and grumpy faces were risky business with this warning in mind. It was a playful threat that kept our expressions in check.
Watching TV Too Close Will Make You Go Blind
This caution made us scoot back from the screen, fearing for our eyesight. While too much screen time isn’t great, blindness from proximity was an exaggeration.
Santa Claus Sees Everything
The ultimate incentive to behave, the idea that Santa was always watching influenced our actions all year round. It was a magical but slightly invasive concept.
The Boogeyman Lives Under Your Bed
This spooky story was a nighttime control tactic, keeping us tucked in and silent after dark. The Boogeyman was the imaginary enforcer of bedtime rules.
Turning on the Light in the Car is Illegal
Many of us grew up thinking this was a serious offense, a belief that sometimes lasted into adulthood. It was a harmless fib, often told by parents to maintain focus while driving.
