18 Busted Myths: Outdated Old Wives’ Tales That Have Fooled Generations for Too Long

Throughout the ages, well-intentioned advice and peculiar beliefs have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. From warnings about wet hair causing pneumonia to the mysterious healing properties of toothpaste, these notions have guided our behaviors and decisions. Yet, as we look back, many of these tips and beliefs appear amusing, curious relics of a bygone era. Join us in this exploration as we unravel the threads of old wives’ tales and myths, offering a light-hearted perspective on the counsel of yesteryears.

“Don’t sit too close to the TV; it will ruin your eyes.”

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This advice cautioned against watching TV too closely, fearing that it might harm one’s vision. It’s considered outdated because modern television screens emit less harmful radiation, and viewing distances vary depending on screen size and personal comfort, making this rule less relevant.

“You’ll catch a cold if you go outside with wet hair.”

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This belief implied that exposure to cold air with wet hair would lead to illness. It’s now considered outdated because the common cold is caused by viruses, not cold temperatures or wet hair.

“Chew your food 32 times before swallowing.”

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This tip aimed to promote thorough digestion and prevent choking. While chewing food thoroughly is essential, the specific number of chews is seen as outdated because it may not apply to all foods, and individual chewing needs can vary.

“Wearing a hat indoors is impolite.”

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This etiquette rule suggested that wearing a hat indoors was a sign of disrespect. It’s now considered outdated because modern social norms have evolved, and hats are generally worn indoors for various reasons, including style or comfort.

“Crossing your eyes might get them stuck that way.”

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This warning aimed to prevent eye strain and maintain proper eye alignment. It’s considered outdated because crossing your eyes temporarily won’t cause any harm or result in permanent misalignment.

“Swallowing gum stays in your stomach for seven years.”

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This myth suggested that swallowed gum would linger in the stomach for an extended period. It’s outdated because gum passes through the digestive system like any other food, without adhering to the stomach lining.

“Don’t crack your knuckles; it causes arthritis.”

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This advice cautioned against cracking knuckles due to fears of joint damage. It’s considered outdated because research has not found a link between knuckle cracking and arthritis development.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

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This saying promoted the idea that eating fruits, like apples, promotes good health. It’s not entirely outdated, as apples are nutritious, but it oversimplifies the importance of a balanced diet and regular medical check-ups.

“Eating carrots will give you night vision.”

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This belief suggested that consuming carrots could enhance night vision. It’s outdated because while carrots are rich in vitamin A, they don’t grant superhero-like night vision capabilities.

“Wait an hour after eating before swimming, or you’ll get cramps.”

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This advice aimed to prevent stomach discomfort while swimming. It’s considered outdated because there’s no scientific basis for the idea that swimming right after eating leads to cramps.

“Don’t make funny faces; your face might freeze like that.”

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This cautionary tale discouraged children from making silly expressions. It’s outdated because facial expressions are temporary and don’t become permanently frozen due to momentary gestures.

“Don’t swim right after eating; you’ll get a stomachache.”

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This belief cautioned against swimming on a full stomach to avoid discomfort. It’s considered outdated because moderate exercise, like swimming, after eating is generally safe for most people and doesn’t necessarily lead to stomachaches.

“Reading in dim light will damage your eyes.”

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This advice warned that reading in low light could harm eyesight. It’s outdated because while reading in dim light may cause eye strain, it doesn’t lead to permanent eye damage.

“Toothpaste can cure pimples overnight.”

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This home remedy suggested applying toothpaste to acne to dry it out. It’s outdated because there are more effective acne treatments available, and toothpaste can irritate the skin.

“Drink eight glasses of water a day, no matter what.”

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This guideline recommended a fixed daily water intake. It’s considered outdated because hydration needs vary depending on factors like age, activity level, and climate, so it’s more important to drink when thirsty.

“Don’t go outside with wet hair; you’ll catch pneumonia.”

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This warning associated wet hair with illness. It’s outdated because pneumonia is caused by infections, not exposure to wet hair, and being outdoors with wet hair is not a direct health risk.

“Cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis.”

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This myth suggested that knuckle cracking could damage joints. It’s considered outdated because studies have shown no correlation between knuckle cracking and the development of arthritis.

“Blowing on a Nintendo cartridge will make it work better.”

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This tip advised blowing on video game cartridges to improve their functionality. It’s outdated because blowing on cartridges can introduce moisture and debris, potentially causing damage, and modern gaming systems no longer use cartridges.

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