The True Purposes of These Strange Objects Are Revealed

Most objects have a pretty obvious purpose, but sometimes things fall out of fashion, leaving the next generation to wonder, “what exactly was this used for?” That’s where the sleuths of the internet come in. If you’re not sure what exactly an object is used for, there’s usually someone who knows.

The Reddit subgroup “What is This Thing?” leads people with an object of questioned use to people who might know just what the object is. Some of the most fascinating answers have even caught the attention of police departments and hazardous waste clean up teams.

What Is This Thing That You Always See On An Escalator?

“They help keep shoes, dresses, handbags, etc. from getting snagged in the tiny gap at the side. I use them as a little shoe shine, too.” – Reddit / brock_lee

Plaque With Numbers Inscribed On It. Found On The Sidewalk Outside A Building At My University

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“It’s a most-perfect magic square where every subsquare of 4 also adds up to the same number, even if you “wrap around.” 9 + 6 + 16 + 3 = 34; 9 + 6 + 7 + 12 = 34; 5 + 11 + 16 +2 = 34. And also the diagonals and “broken diagonals:” 9 + 3 + 8 + 14 = 34; 16 + 6 + 1 +11 = 34. Its name is Chautisa Yantra and it’s pretty well known.” – Reddit / WizLiz