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FACTS ABOUT: socks sock

Definition: sock  Play sockpronunciation  A sock is a covering for the foot made of a woven or knitted material. Socks reach to a point
between the ankle and knee.

Fun Facts

1. The word "sock" comes from an ancient light shoe. The English word sock comes from the Latin word soccus, which was a soft, low-heeled slipper worn by ancient Roman actors in comedy plays!

2. The world's oldest surviving socks look like lobster claws. Discovered in Egypt and over 1,500 years old, ancient knitted wool socks were split into two big sections at the front so people could wear them with sandals!

3. In ancient times, wearing socks was a sign of great wealth. Hundreds of years ago, socks had to be knitted entirely by hand, which took hours of hard work. Only kings, queens, and super rich nobles could afford to own comfortable, soft foot wraps!

4. Your feet have over 250,000 sweat glands. Feet are one of the sweatiest parts of the human body! Socks do an important job by absorbing sweat to keep your shoes clean and stop smelly bacteria from growing on your skin.

5. Space socks use special silver threads to kill odor. Astronauts on the International Space Station can't wash their laundry in space! Instead, they wear high-tech socks woven with real silver fibers because silver naturally stops smelly bacteria from growing.

6. Static electricity can turn your socks into magnets. Ever noticed your clean socks clinging to your shirts right out of the clothes dryer? When different fabrics tumble together in hot, dry air, they swap tiny electrical charges (electrons) and stick together using static electricity!

7. Socks protect your feet from painful blisters. When you run, your shoes rub against your skin. Socks act as a soft cushion that reduces friction, stopping hot spots and fluid-filled blisters from forming on your toes and heels.