/r/ExplainLikeImCalvin

Photograph via snooOG

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.

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

/r/ExplainLikeImCalvin

122,195 Subscribers

15

ELIC why does a power switch use I and O?

11 Comments
2025/01/31
02:37 UTC

50

ELIC...how do the trump executive orders lower the cost of gas groceries taxes Healthcare and housing?

48 Comments
2025/01/28
20:23 UTC

0

Whats the point of getting married if you live with your partner have sex and everything

11 Comments
2025/01/27
20:40 UTC

33

ELIC: Why does Guinness have all the world records? They don't sell anywhere near as much as Budweiser.

9 Comments
2025/01/27
13:29 UTC

6

ELIC: what do drivers do on computers?

7 Comments
2025/01/25
06:00 UTC

17

Why arent Traffic Lights all primary colors, like red yellow blue, instead of green

37 Comments
2025/01/25
01:30 UTC

12

ELIC: Why do trains run on coal?

18 Comments
2025/01/22
18:31 UTC

47

ELIC: Why is meeting someone at a party called "Breaking the Ice"?

And why do I have to break the ice on the driveway all by myself?

4 Comments
2025/01/20
11:51 UTC

12

ELIC why are there big cats but not big dogs?

8 Comments
2025/01/19
19:02 UTC

19

Why don't birds have jet propellers?

14 Comments
2025/01/19
18:33 UTC

0

Crazy ideas

One week every year, representatives have to abide by rules made for them by dissatisfied constituents

1 Comment
2025/01/19
18:22 UTC

21

ELIC: Dad. When I turn on or turn off the lamp, why does it take 2 clicks?

10 Comments
2025/01/19
08:18 UTC

36

Where does it go when you flush on a plane?

36 Comments
2025/01/18
23:58 UTC

28

ELIC: What are Packing Peanuts for?

25 Comments
2025/01/17
01:24 UTC

10

What is karma?

7 Comments
2025/01/15
05:58 UTC

0

ELIC: Did they name Genoa for Genoa and Balogna for Balogna, or the other way around? Why?

ELIC: Did they name Genoa for Genoa and Balogna for Balogna, or the other way around? Why?

7 Comments
2025/01/14
03:01 UTC

0

Space is expanding because of the factors influencing it to do so, from within it. Or is the abyss simply decaying and breaking down into particles what was there broke down into particles and open space.

6 Comments
2025/01/13
13:58 UTC

16

ELIC: Dad, how do I know you're not a ChatGPT prompt?

10 Comments
2025/01/13
11:11 UTC

13

ELIC: What is a "wheelhouse" and how do I know if something is in mine?

3 Comments
2025/01/13
00:44 UTC

2

ELIC: Are 'widdershins' and 'windershins' reversed south of the equator?

And how does this impact Druid spells?

2 Comments
2025/01/12
12:41 UTC

32

ELIC: Why is the opposite of Upside Down, "Rightside up" and not "Upside up"?

6 Comments
2025/01/12
05:10 UTC

0

Bra sizes are alphanumeric, like 36D. What do the numbers and letters actually mean?

7 Comments
2025/01/10
19:42 UTC

5

ELIC: New to Reddit

Explain Reddit to me as a newbie

8 Comments
2025/01/09
16:59 UTC

17

ELIC: I understand you can't tune fish. Why? And what animals can you tune?

11 Comments
2025/01/08
12:05 UTC

0

ELIC: If Mr Trump does make Canada the 51st State, how many Electoral College votes will they get?

And could this impact future elections in the favour of Republicans or Democrats?

34 Comments
2025/01/08
07:49 UTC

7

ELIC: When Trump nukes Canada what will happen to all the mooses?

14 Comments
2025/01/08
03:33 UTC

8

Why don't we see Uncle Max anymore?

8 Comments
2025/01/08
01:10 UTC

3

ELIC: Why are tarantulas hairy?

3 Comments
2025/01/07
19:11 UTC

12

ELIC: What was the Gulf of Mexico before Mexico?

11 Comments
2025/01/07
18:21 UTC

15

ELIC: Why do people sing Auld Lang Syne on New Years? And what the heck does it mean?

5 Comments
2025/01/06
11:22 UTC

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