Results: There are some people who are so sure they are right about something, they convince enough people that it becomes the accepted truth. They aren't always right but they are rarely in doubt. This survey is about some of these misconceptions.
Published on 02/13/2025
Common misconceptions can arise from conventional wisdom, old wives' tales, stereotypes, superstitions, fallacies, urban legends or a misinterpretation of science. Here are some common or recent ones.
QUESTIONS
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1.
1.
Here are some misconceptions that sure fooled me until a TW member or two set me straight. Which of these do you share?
Several news outlets that I relied on, reported that actor Talia Shire had passed away when it was actually Shelley Duvall. Robert Redford has also died but nobody seems to have told him that. I hope I never read of my own passing. A TW member was quick to point out the error. I found at least 20 similar news reports.
13%
280 votes
Since the 1960s I have written the group "Procol Harum" as "Procul Harem". I stand corrected in a similar fashion to the above. The pedigree cat the name came from was named Procul Harun, but the name was misheard and misspelled over the phone. This never seemed important until today.
9%
192 votes
The Chevrolet Nova sold well in Latin American markets; General Motors did not rename the car. While no va does mean "doesn't go" in Spanish, nova was easily understood to mean "new".
14%
305 votes
Other (please specify)
0%
8 votes
Not Applicable
70%
1530 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.51% | 4 | |
| None | 0.25% | 2 |
| Huh? | 0.13% | 1 |
| always someone being reported dead that isn't | 0.13% | 1 |
2.
2.
Here are 3 more. Which of these misconceptions did you also believe?
Federal legal tender laws in the United States do not require that private businesses, persons, or organizations accept cash for payment, though it must be treated as valid payment for debts when tendered to a creditor.
9%
202 votes
Netflix was not founded after its co-founder was charged a $40 late fee by Blockbuster. He made the story up and he was actually inspired by Amazon.
11%
236 votes
Twinkies have a shelf life of around 25 days, despite the common claim that they remain edible for decades. The official shelf life is 45 days but they normally remain on a store shelf for 7 to 10 days or until my next pension check.
23%
499 votes
Other (please specify)
0%
9 votes
Not Applicable
63%
1394 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.74% | 7 | |
| Don't believe everything you hear. | 0.11% | 1 |
| none | 0.11% | 1 |
3.
3.
But wait - there's more. Three more in fact. Which of these did you also believe?
Bourbon whiskey does not have to be distilled in Kentucky. Bourbon is also distilled in New York, California, Wyoming and Washington The legal requirement is that it be made in the US. Kentucky does produce the majority of bourbon however.
14%
311 votes
Allspice is not a mix of spices. It is a single spice that seems to combine the flavours and scents of many spices, especially cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper.
23%
496 votes
Marco Polo did not introduce pasta to Italy from China. This originated as promotional material in the Macaroni Journal, a newsletter published by an association of American pasta makers.
11%
252 votes
Other (please specify)
0%
5 votes
Not Applicable
62%
1367 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.38% | 4 | |
| Redheads have more fun. | 0.09% | 1 |
4.
4.
The last three (for today).
Dom Pérignon did not invent champagne. Wine naturally starts to bubble after being pressed, and the bubbles at the time were considered a flaw which Pérignon worked unsuccessfully to eliminate.
10%
216 votes
Fortune cookies are not Chinese despite their presence in Chinese restaurants. They originated in Japan and were introduced to the US by the Japanese. In China, they are considered American, and are rare.
21%
468 votes
Microwave ovens do not cook food from the inside out. The inside portion is mainly heated by heat conducted from the outer layers.
20%
432 votes
Other (please specify)
0%
4 votes
Not Applicable
60%
1317 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.27% | 3 | |
| Japan rules!!! | 0.09% | 1 |
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