The Quick Why: Bubble Wrap, Bananas & Why Mondays Feel Long
5 random facts to entertain your brain and impress your mates.
Another week, another bundle of strange, satisfying answers. There are some good ones in this edition, so keep reading, it’ll only take you a minute.
Let’s unwrap some weirdness, learn why bubble wrap was wallpaper, bananas taste fake, and Mondays drag, and discover five quirky truths in this week’s Quick Why.
This is The Quick Why — Episode 11 🧠
📦 Why was bubble wrap invented?
Not for packaging, wait what! Yes, it was initially pitched as textured wallpaper. When that flopped, the inventors tried it for greenhouse insulation… then realised it was perfect for shipping fragile items and joyfully popping.
🍌 Why do banana sweets taste nothing like bananas?
They’re based on the Gros Michel, a sweeter banana variety nearly wiped out by a fungal disease in the 1950s. Today’s Cavendish banana tastes different, but artificial flavours stuck with the original profile.
😐 Why do Mondays feel longer than other days?
It’s partly psychological. After a weekend of freedom, the return to structure makes us more aware of time, and anticipation of the whole week ahead can stretch the day in your mind like slow-motion admin. Go on, tell me why you don’t like Mondays.
🪞 Why do mirrors flip left and right, but not up and down?
They don’t. Mirrors reverse front to back, not left to right. Your brain interprets the reflection that way because we’re accustomed to interacting with others, not stepping into mirrored versions of ourselves.
🔋 Why does a low phone battery make us anxious?
It’s called nomophobia, the fear of being without your mobile. A red battery icon triggers mild panic because we associate it with disconnection, danger, or losing access to everything in our pocket life.
💡 Which one made you pause?
👉 Hit reply and tell me.
👉 Got a weird Why? You might see it in a future issue!
🎯 Coming Next Week:
Monday — a new Five Why deep dive.
Thursday — Episode 12 of The Quick Why.
Matt