10 Bizarre Things People Secretly Love the Smell Of (But Won’t Admit)
Let’s face it — we all have that one “gross” smell we weirdly enjoy. Sure, society might wrinkle their nose, but to us? It’s pure nostalgia. Or maybe we’re just a little strange. Either way, you’re in good company.
I stumbled across a hilarious thread asking: “What’s a smell you enjoy that most people consider bad?” The answers were a delightful mess of “Wait, what?” and “OMG, SAME.” Here are some of my favorites:
1. Puppy Breath
It’s not for everyone, but a few brave souls admitted they love that sweet, milky little puff of air from a baby pup. (Personally, I thought everyone loved this, though?!)
2. Fresh-Cut Hay & Saddle Leather
If it smells like a barn, apparently it’s heaven to a lot of folks. Horse sweat, cow manure, even chicken coops—pure comfort scents for some.
3. Gasoline & Exhaust Fumes
Yes, people actually like the smell of gas stations. And old car exhaust? “Smells like freedom.” (This smell makes me want to barf!)
4. The “Frito Feet” Phenomenon
If you know, you know. Dog paws = corn chips. And some people can’t get enough of it.
5. Skunks (but just a hint)
A whiff of skunk in the distance is oddly pleasant for a surprising number of people. Not roadkill level—just a faint breeze of eau de Pepe Le Pew.
6. Your Own Farts
We’re going there. Multiple people shamelessly admitted that their own brand doesn’t stink. “It’s not bad when it’s yours!”… allegedly.
7. The Post-Rain Asphalt
That wet, steamy asphalt smell after a rain shower? Some folks said it smells like childhood memories.
8. Play-Doh & Mimeograph Paper
Who needs essential oils when you can crack open a can of Play-Doh? Also, a shoutout to those who miss the blue-ink chemical bliss of old-school mimeograph machines.
9. Bleach in the Bathroom
One person called this the “smell of clean.” Another said it’s their equivalent of a spa day. Who are we to judge?
10. Welding Metal, Shoe Polish & Blown-Out Candles
An entire mini-category of industrial and oddly specific smells that people admitted to loving.
12 Foods Europeans Eat Regularly That Are Really Weird to Americans
From unique meats and seafood to fruits you’ve never heard of, there is a whole world of cuisine available in Europe that you’d be hard-pressed to find in the United States. According to an online forum, this list of popular European foods are nearly impossible to find in America.
Read more: 12 Foods Europeans Eat Regularly That Are Really Weird to Americans
17 Strange American Laws You Probably Didn’t Know Still Exist
From outlawed margarine to moose-poop bans, these laws are still technically enforceable today.
Read more: 17 Strange American Laws You Probably Didn’t Know Still Exist
93% of Americans Say They Have Good Beach Etiquette—92% Are Lying
According to a new Beach.com survey of over 1,000 U.S. beachgoers, 93% say they have good beach etiquette. The catch? Nearly the same number—92%—also admit to breaking at least one unspoken rule of beach behavior. Some even fess up to three bad habits on average.
Read more: 93% of Americans Say They Have Good Beach Etiquette—92% Are Lying
12 Quirky American Customs That Baffle Non-Americans
Although the country’s customs are popularly known worldwide, there are several unique ones that have left non-Americans scratching their heads in confusion or amusement.
Read more: 12 Quirky American Customs That Baffle Non-Americans
10 Things We Thought Everyone Knew, But They Don’t
Have you ever learned something that everyone around you already knew for years and you just found out about? Or maybe you’ve been the one to tell people something you thought was common knowledge but no one else knew about it. This list, culled from an online message board, features several facts people thought were widely known, but, as it turns out, are not. Who knows! You might learn a few things in this article that you never knew before!
Read more: 10 Things We Thought Everyone Knew, But They Don’t
