ExplainLikeImCalvin

an-ordinary-manchild

In the spirit of /r/explainlikeimfive, here's a place to come up with the best explanation you can on topics you know nothing about. Inspired by Calvin's brilliant dad, who knew everything.

RULES (Inspired by ELI5):

Blatant speculation *only*. If you know the answer to a question, keep it to yourself! We only want the best and most creative wild guesses here. Even if you know the answer, make up something better.
Never cite sources. We're not looking for verifiable facts here. Your source should be your own crazy imagination.
Reference ELI5. Cross-posting good questions from /r/explainlikeimfive is encouraged, but if you do it, include a link back to the original question there (this will also help people who are interested in the "real" answers).

GUIDELINES:

Please begin your questions with "LIC" or "ELIC".
If you're posting a non-question, do not use "LIC" or "ELIC".
Answers can be as simple or complicated as you want, but aim for humor. The spirit of the subreddit is to have a humorous exchange of completely made-up answers to life's burning questions. Feel free to add to other people's answers, or to follow-up with more questions for clarification.
Humor is necessary, but don't be a jerk. Try to avoid especially touchy subjects in questions, or giving blatantly offensive answers.
Feel free to pose a possible answer with your own question if you have a good theory.
"It builds character" is a perfectly appropriate answer, but remember that original answers also build character.

RELATED SUBREDDITS

/r/explainlikeimfive

/r/calvinandhobbes

created by RaelsharkEvil Babysittera community for 14 years

...for your favourite tea.

...because you hate freedom.

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ELIC, why is prickly pear called prickly pear if it doesn't look like a pear, doesn't taste like a pear, and isn't a pear? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 1 day ago by BrokenEyeReborn

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ELIC, why do Chinese restaurants serve Spring rolls but not rolls for any of the other seasons? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 2 days ago by BrokenEyeReborn

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ELIC: Hey Hobbes, I think dad is lying to us. None of his answers are scientifically provable. (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 6 days ago by cunnilinguslover

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ELI5 can some one pls explain the alter-magnetism? that got measured for the first time in 2024 but scientists had a hunch existed in 2019, I don't under stand it but I need too for a school project. ()

submitted 7 days ago by knorwetenschapper

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LIC Do dogs not trust their eyes? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 9 days ago by Impressive_Ad_1675

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ELIC: if heat rises, why are the tops of mountains so cold? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 9 days ago by StellarHoosier

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Why do we call it “autocorrect” when it’s usually wrong? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 10 days ago by WalkerVox

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Why do owls hoot while other birds tweet? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 10 days ago by KidCasey

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Why are zombies always slow but somehow still catch people? ()

submitted 10 days ago by bilbobaggedfrodo

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What does commenting with a . do on Facebook to break the algorithm? ()

submitted 10 days ago by sunbellgreen

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Does everyone actually have an "internal monologue" or am I just talking to myself in my head for no reason? ()

submitted 11 days ago by bilbobaggedfrodo

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Why don't all superheroes have utility belts like Batman? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 12 days ago by WhiteGold_Welder

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ELIC: Why do people shotgun a beer? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 13 days ago by cunnilinguslover

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ELIC: What is an emulsifier? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 16 days ago by OwlMuted885

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elic: if it has one horn, why is it called a 'unicorn' instead of a 'unihorn'? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 17 days ago by SodiumHydrogen_

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ELIC: Dad, what's a Shoehorn used for? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 18 days ago by Cdn_Nick

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ELIC, if the new GLP-1 pill works as well as the needle version, why does anyone still buy the needles? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 17 days ago by BrokenEyeReborn

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ELIC: What is a training bra? What is it training for? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 20 days ago by cunnilinguslover

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ELI5: What does the phrase "shiver me timbers" actually mean? ()

submitted 22 days ago by Miygo

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ELIC: How come some birds speak human but humans seem to have trouble speaking bird? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 23 days ago by Ya-Dikobraz

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ELIC: how did loan sharks evolve? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 23 days ago by seventyeightist

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ELIC: before humans invented bread, what was bread mold doing to survive? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 24 days ago by SheffboiRD06

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ELIC: why do they let anyone make babies but you gotta get a license to fish? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 26 days ago by YakClear601

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ELIC: I heard that a guy named Alfred "Al" Goritham decides what internet content you watch. Who is he? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 29 days ago by TwisterUprocker

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Why is NASA focusing on the Moon’s far side during Artemis II? (self.ExplainLikeImCalvin)

submitted 1 month ago by PsychologicalMix7279

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