What is The Mandela Effect?
What is The Mandela Effect?
The Mandela Effect is a phenomenon that makes us question even the most mundane memories from the past. In June 2019, the famed New York Times crossword puzzle made it the theme, and defined it as, "a recent refinement of false memory that typically refers to pop culture or current event references." Named by paranormal researcher Fiona Broome, it's basically remembering something that doesn't match with historical records. For example, the stuff you use to make your home smell fresh isn't "Febreeze" (more on that later).
Broome has said that she "loves" the idea that the Mandela Effect, or others claiming they distinctly recall different events or details, could be proof that we're existing in alternate realities. We're not so sure that's the truth, but these comparisons between popular belief and reality is making our jaws hit the floor as we type. Check out 40 of the most gobsmacking "facts" below.
Nelson Mandela's Death
Let's start with the reason we're all here. Nelson Mandela, who this theory is named after, died in 2013. However, countless people distinctly remember him dying in prison in the 1980s. But his death isn't the only example of a Mandela Effect. We have been wrong about so many dates, details, and more. Keep going for more commonly misremembered moments in history.
Jif, Not "Jiffy"
People swear there was a "Jiffy" peanut butter back in the day, but we speculate they're combining Jif with its competitor, Skippy.
Looney Tunes, Not Toons
It makes almost zero sense, but yes, the cartoon was spelled as "Tunes."
The Berenstein Bears Didn't Exist
The lovable cartoon bear family actually spelled their last name with an "a": The Berenstain Bears.
Curious George's Tail
... was never there. Are you freaking out? Okay, moving on.
'Sex and the City'
While these four women were having sex in the city, the show was actually titled Sex and the City.
Febreze
You might use the stuff every day, but be honest: You thought it was "Febreeze," didn't you?
Oscar Mayer
One of the most confounding of all: There's an "A" in "Mayer"?! Honest to goodness, we thought it was Meyer.
Skechers
Less sketchy than most, people have been befuddled to see that there's no "T" in Skechers.
Froot Loops
Kellogg had been spelling fruit like that for years and we only noticed it now ... wowza.
King Henry VIII's ... Turkey Leg?
For some reason, people distinctly remember this portrait showing the king of England wielding a turkey leg. To be clear, he was not.
Monopoly Man and His Monocle
... or more like the fact that he doesn't have one. This, as some suggest, might be a simple confusion between him and the Planters peanut company's mascot, Mr. Peanut.
Pikachu's Tail
Though many of us clearly remember black detailing on the Pokemon character's tail, but in reality, it's just yellow.
The Hyphen in Kit Kat
If you've just had an existential crisis about the fact that there's no hyphen in between "Kit" and "Kat," know that you're not alone.
Fruit of the Loom Logo
It used to have a cornucopia behind the fruit ... right? Right?!
Cheez-It or Cheez-Itz?
We swear, there used to be an extra "z" at the end! What.is.happening.
Double "Stuf" Oreos
If you're trying to tell us there isn't a second "f" in Stuf, our lives have officially been a lie.
Mona Lisa's Smile
There are a LOT of theories about this one, but so many people have claimed that she used to have a more obvious smile.
C-3PO Has a Silver Leg
Even the biggest Star Wars fans (and Halloween costume sites) get it wrong. The robot isn't all gold; he has one silver piece on his right leg.
The Flintstones Has Two Ts
We've been pronouncing it without that first one, so this is really awkward now.
Chartreuse
Do you recall someone telling you that chartreuse is a magenta-pink color? So many others agree with you. But in reality, it's a shade of green.
"Life is Like a Box of Chocolates"
... is not what Forrest Gump (played by the amazing Tom Hanks) actually said. If you listen closely he says, "Life was like a box of chocolates." We're regretting all of those Instagram captions right about now ...
"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall"
Nope, that wasn't a line in Snow White either. In fact, the Wicked Queen says, "Magic mirror on the wall ..." Yep, our childhood has been ruined too.
"Luke, I am Your Father."
Honestly, this was the one that cut deep. Perhaps the most famous movie line in history wasn't even said. All he really said was, "I am your father."
"Run, You Fools!"
Hate to burst your bubble again, but this memorable line was never said by Gandalf. Before his treacherous fall, you can clearly hear him saying "Fly, you fools!"
"Hello, Clarice."
We don't know what's scarier: The fact that we remember Hannibal Lecter saying, "Hello, Clarice," or the reality that all he said was, "Good morning." Say what??
"... of the world!"
Oh, and your favorite song? The Mandela Effect is here to ruin that too. We all think of Freddie Mercury belting out, "of the world!" at the end of "We Are the Champions," but it.never.happened. (However, Freddie does sing the words at the end of the song during the band's famous Wembley Stadium performance.)
Mr. Rogers's Theme Song
You might start singing the lyric, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," especially with the upcoming Tom Hanks film. But even the movie makers got it wrong. It's "a beautiful day in this neighborhood." A small but mighty blow to our memories.
Number of U.S. States
The correct answer is 50, obviously, but some (Americans and foreigners alike) recall learning that there were 51 or 52.
Sinbad Never Played a Genie.
This one is perhaps the most bizarre of all. Several people can attest that they distinctly remember seeing the comedian in a movie called Shazaam. Many argue they're confusing this memory with the movie Kazaam, starring Shaquille O'Neal as a genie. But who really knows.
Smokey Bear
Yep, that's his name. Contrary to popular belief, his name isn't Smokey the Bear.
Neil Armstrong's Death
Oddly enough, people had no recollection of the aeronautic legend's death. Many fans apparently "forgot" or didn't notice the news of his passing in August 2012.
Billy Graham's Death
Like Mandela, many can't place when Billy Graham's funeral aired on TV. That's probably because it didn't happen long ago. He died in February 2018 ...
Mother Teresa's Canonization
People have strong opinions about when Mother Teresa was canonized as saint. The real event happened in 2016, but many remember her entering sainthood in the 1990s (when she was still alive).
Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion
Though the tragic accident took place on January 28, 1986, there are a number of people who thought it happened in 1984 or 1985.
Lindbergh Baby
When aviator Charles Lindbergh's infant son was kidnapped, the entire world focused their attention on the story. Many remember the case going cold, but they sadly found the body and sentenced the killer to death for the heinous crime.
Patrick Swayze's Health
Though the actor sadly died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, people have said they remember him recovering.
Leonardo DiCaprio's First Oscar
Though Leo finally took home his first Oscar for Best Actor in 2016, countless people argue he scored one much earlier. It's easy to get this one confused, though, because he was previously nominated five other times.
Location of Disney World Castle
If you've ever been to Magic Kingdom, do you recall where the castle was located? Some, even one Orlando local on Reddit, clearly remembers it being the entrance to the park.
Some of these are just so wild.