1

Mr. Peanut

Image: Tom Hermans

As familiar as snacking on a handful of peanuts, Mr. Peanut is a beloved symbol for us all. Incredibly, despite being a successful and recognizable character, Mr. Peanut's design only cost $5!

That's right, Planters Company created a contest in 1916 to find the ideal mascot. And guess who won? A 14-year-old boy! Antonio Gentile received $5 in exchange for his cute peanut-bodied mascot, to which the top hat and monocle were later added. Not only is his appearance sophisticated, but his name is, too. Mr. Peanut's full name is Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe. Fancy, right?

2

Tony the Tiger

Image: Sten Ritterfeld

One of the most famous felines, Tony the Tiger , the mascot of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal , first appeared in a TV commercial in 1952, more than 70 years ago!

Despite his age, Tony still embodies the ideas of strength and energy that the brand wants to associate with its delicious cereals.

His distinctive muscular body and unique red scarf around his neck make him one of the most recognizable characters for people of all ages. He is just gr-r-reat!

3

Energizer Bunny

Image: danilo.alvesd

We've all wished we had the incredible energy of the Energizer Bunny , right?

This cute, drum-beating mascot first appeared in a TV commercial in the late 1980s. Its characteristic endless energy symbolizes the power of the brand's batteries, summed up in its classic catchphrase, "It keeps going and going and going..."

Over time, this little pink bunny with sunglasses has gained worldwide fame and has become one of the most recognizable brand mascots.

4

Mr. Clean

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

We've already seen tigers, rabbits, and even peanuts with eyes; now it's the turn of a human-shaped mascot.

Mr. Clean is the legendary mascot of the Procter & Gamble cleaning product line, famous for his look and accessories. With his white eyebrows, classic earring, bald head, and white T-shirt, the beloved Mr. Clean is impossible to miss.

Created in 1958, this mascot has changed very little since his first appearance, making him even more iconic. If you're looking for a Halloween costume, you know who to imitate this year!

5

Ronald McDonald

Image: Brett Jordan

Ronald McDonald , the clown of the most famous fast food chain, has become a global star.

Over the decades, children around the world have excitedly lined up to see him, greet him, and take pictures with Ronald in McDonald's stores.

Created in 1963, Ronald looked a bit different than he does today. Ronald's appearance has evolved, with changes to his costume and makeup, making him more vibrant and approachable. But the magic of this character is still intact.

6

Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Pablo Lancaster Jones

If we discuss cute mascots, we can't forget the Pillsbury Doughboy . This little man made of dough has been wearing a chef's hat and a scarf since his birth in 1965 when he first appeared in a TV commercial.

While his appearance has remained the same, his name has changed a few times. Originally called "Jonathan Pillsbury," his name was changed to "Poppin' Fresh" in the 1970s, though today we all know him as Pillsbury Doughboy.

His playful personality is captured in his classic catchphrase, "Hoo-hoo!"

7

The M&M’s Spokescandies

Image: Sebastian Gómez

Who can say "no" to a handful of delicious M&M's ? Definitely not us! And as if their great taste weren’t enough, M&M's also has a series of mascots with varied personalities that know how to win us over.

The original characters emerged in the 1950s, and there were only two mascots: the Plain (milk chocolate) and the Peanut characters. This evolved over time, and more characters were added, each with different colors and qualities.

Today, some of the most recognized are Red, Yellow, and Green .

8

Martin the GEICO Gecko

Image: Tate Lohmiller

The GEICO insurance company's Gecko is definitely one of the most famous brand mascots in the country.

Born in 1999, this little Gecko first appeared in a commercial in which he talked to the viewers, trying to convince them to choose GEICO. This appearance was so successful that the friendly and witty Gecko has remained the company's mascot to this day.

One of the peculiarities of this character is his distinctive British accent, which sets him apart from other talking mascots.

9

Kool-Aid Man

Image: Roksolana Zasiadko

If you were one of the many Kool-Aid fans as a child, you probably remember the charming and unique Kool-Aid Man fondly.

With his pitcher-shaped body filled with Kool-Aid, the character first appeared on the product's packaging in 1954. It wasn't until over 20 years later that he made his first TV commercial, always smiling and uttering his traditional catchphrase, "Oh yeah!"

The now classic character became very popular and even had cameos in famous animated TV series!

10

Chester Cheetah

Image: Ryan Quintal

If you love snacks, you've probably smeared your fingers with Cheetos crumbs at some point, right? We get it; these cheesy snacks are simply irresistible.

And if you've ever tasted Cheetos, you're likely familiar with the famous Chester Cheetah . With its cool look and relaxed attitude, Chester Cheetah was created in 1986. This feline appeared in TV commercials and on Cheetos packages, always enjoying the snack and never without his trademark sunglasses.

His fame grew to the point that in the '90s, Chester starred in a couple of video games!

1

The 1920s: Flappers and a new sense of freedom

The 1920s brought a new sense of independence and modernity to American women, and fashion reflected that changing attitude. After centuries of restrictive styles, women embraced clothes that allowed greater freedom of movement and a more youthful appearance.

Flapper dresses, bobbed hair, cloche hats, Mary Jane shoes, and long strands of pearls became signatures of the decade. The rebellious flapper embodied this new attitude, with silent film star Louise Brooks becoming one of the era's most recognizable style icons.

2

The 1930s: Hollywood glamour

The hardships of the Great Depression contrasted sharply with the glamorous world presented on the silver screen. Hollywood offered an escape, and movie stars became powerful influences on how American women wanted to look. Fashion was elegant and feminine, with clothing designed to create a long, graceful silhouette.

Bias-cut dresses, fitted gowns, wide-leg trousers, fur-trimmed coats, and chic hats were popular, while satin and silk added a touch of luxury. Jean Harlow, known for her platinum-blonde hair and glamorous gowns, was one of the decade’s most celebrated style icons, alongside other actresses such as Carole Lombard.

3

The 1940s: Fashion during wartime

World War II brought practicality to the forefront. With fabric rationed and millions of women entering the workforce, clothing had to be functional, durable, and economical without completely sacrificing style.

Tailored suits, shorter skirts, button-up blouses, trousers, sturdy shoes, and simple dresses became everyday staples. The iconic image of Rosie the Riveter, with her work shirt, rolled-up sleeves, and headscarf, came to symbolize the capable working woman of wartime America.

4

The 1950s: The feminine silhouette returns

The postwar years ushered in a very different mood. As prosperity grew, fashion celebrated femininity, polish, and carefully put-together appearances. The hourglass figure became the decade's ideal silhouette.

Full skirts, cinched waists, fitted sweaters, gloves, pearls, and tailored dresses dominated women's wardrobes. Hollywood stars reinforced the look: Marilyn Monroe represented glamorous, voluptuous femininity, while Grace Kelly became synonymous with restrained, sophisticated style.

5

The 1960s: Mini skirts and mod style

The 1960s belonged to youth culture. Younger women were challenging traditional ideas about fashion and society , and clothing became a way to express independence and a willingness to break the rules.

Mini skirts, shift dresses, go-go boots, bold geometric prints, colorful tights, and bright colors gave the decade its unmistakable look. British designer Mary Quant became closely associated with the mini skirt, while First Lady Jackie Kennedy influenced millions of women with her polished dresses, pillbox hats, and timeless elegance.

6

The 1970s: From hippie to disco

Individuality was the name of the game in the 1970s. The decade's fashion reflected everything from the counterculture and growing women's movement to the glamorous nightlife of the disco era.

Early on, bell-bottom jeans, flowing maxi dresses, peasant blouses, fringe, denim, suede, and platform shoes dominated. Later, sequined dresses, jumpsuits, halter tops, and metallic fabrics took over the dance floor. Diana Ross was one of the era's standout style icons, effortlessly embodying its glamorous side.

7

The 1980s: Big shoulders and bigger statements

Confidence, and plenty of it, defined the 1980s. As more women entered professional and corporate environments, clothing became a way to project ambition and authority , while pop culture encouraged an equally bold approach outside the office.

Power suits, shoulder pads, oversized blazers, leggings, bright colors, statement jewelry, and wide belts captured the decade's love of excess. Madonna influenced a younger generation with lace, layered jewelry, leggings, and rebellious accessories, while Dynasty’s Joan Collins represented the decade's polished glamour.

8

The 1990s: Casual becomes fashionable

After the extravagance of the 1980s, fashion took a more relaxed turn. The idea that clothes could be stylish without looking overly polished gained ground, and casualwear moved firmly into the mainstream. Grunge also made its mark, bringing a deliberately undone attitude to everyday fashion.

Straight-leg jeans, flannel shirts, slip dresses, simple T-shirts, sneakers, and minimalist dresses became staples. Inspired by the grunge scene, many women embraced layered, oversized, and thrift-store-inspired looks. Princess Diana was a major style influence, particularly for her effortlessly chic casual outfits, while supermodel Kate Moss represented an edgy, minimalist glamour.

9

The 2000s: Low-rise jeans and celebrity style

Early-2000s fashion was playful, youthful, and heavily influenced by celebrities. Low-rise jeans, cropped tops, velour tracksuits, tiny handbags, platform sandals, and logo-covered clothing were everywhere. Matching sets and highly coordinated outfits were also popular, creating some of the decade’s most recognizable looks.

Celebrities became fashion trendsetters on an unprecedented scale. Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton were among the decade’s most recognizable style icons, with their outfits frequently appearing in magazines, celebrity news shows, and online. For many women, keeping up with the latest celebrity looks became almost as important as following traditional fashion trends.

10

The 2010s: Social media changes fashion

The 2010s ushered fashion into a new digital era. Instagram, fashion blogs, and social media changed how women discovered trends, while celebrities, influencers, and even everyday users could become style authorities. What people wore could suddenly reach millions of people with a single post.

Skinny jeans, leggings, statement necklaces, jumpsuits, sneakers, and athleisure became everyday favorites. Women increasingly mixed casual pieces with more polished ones, creating looks that worked just as well for running errands as they did for going out. Kim Kardashian became one of the decade’s most influential style figures, while fast fashion made it easier than ever to follow new trends.

11

The 2020s: Comfort meets personal style

The 2020s have brought a more flexible approach to fashion. Comfort has become a major priority, with wide-leg pants, oversized shirts, relaxed denim, sneakers, matching sets, and other comfortable basics becoming everyday favorites. At the same time, women have more freedom to decide what feels stylish and authentic to them.

Rather than following one dominant look, women today can mix styles from different decades, combining vintage dresses with modern sneakers or classic pieces with contemporary trends. The biggest trend of the 2020s so far may simply be personal expression.

1

Frying Pan Road

Image: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty)

As we discuss our first entry on the list, we must prepare you for the incoming spoonful of roads and streets named after various things, starting with the namesake one. There is a suburb in Hendon, Virginia with a community named Fryin Pan that dates back to at least the 1700s. However, in the 1890s, they changed the name to Floris. The original name has remained as a road.

2

Chicken Dinner Road

Image: Karyna Panchenko

Believe it or not, there is a road in Idaho called Chicken Dinner. According to the main story, the origin of the name lies with a resident who lobbied the governor to improve the road outside her house. Laura Lamb was known for her chicken, and when a couple of vandals painted the words "Lamb's Chicken Dinner Avenue" on the freshly oiled road, they inadvertently christened the street with the name that is known today.

3

Bad Route Road

Image: Markus Spiske

While the name doesn’t sound very enticing, a trip down this residential Montana street may not be as bad an idea as it sounds. This street possibly received its unfortunate name from Bad Route Creek, an offshoot of the Yellowstone River. The creek's name itself may have originated from the difficult conditions and the challenges faced by early explorers and settlers in the region.

4

Psycho Path

Image: Jorge Salvador

It was voted as the nation’s wackiest street name, and for good reason. Psycho Path is a small private road in Traverse City, Michigan . Owners of private roads can register whatever name they choose with the local authorities. We prefer to think that the owner of this road is not a particularly dangerous person but rather someone with a sense of humor.

5

Alcohol Mary Road

Image: Timothé Durand

A memorable street named, indeed—Alcohol Mary Road in Greenwood, Maine, is named after a local woman who was known for producing alcohol during the Prohibition years. To the residents, it symbolizes the town's spirit of independence.

The Hertell family, who lives on the road and has a family matriarch named Mary, has grown tired of fielding questions about whether their beloved grandmother was an outlaw.

6

Zzyzx Road

Image: Diego Jimenez

Sounds like "Six Six," but it’s not spelled in the same way. Not only is there a town in Southern California named Zzyzx, but there is also a street that leads to the town.

According to the story, Curtis Howe Springer created the name Zzyzx and gave it to the area in 1944, claiming it to be the last word in the English language.

7

Five Forks Trickum Road

Image: Prayag Tejwani

There is a road in Gwinnett County, Georgia , named Five Forks Trickum Road, which has only four forks. The reason for this is simple: in decades past, it once had a five-fork intersection.

As for the "Trickum" part, local lore suggests that this comes from a shop owner who once lived there, and often swindled customers out of their money.

8

Liquid Laughter Lane

Image: Surface

A poetic image if we ever heard one, Liquid Laughter Lane is a real street in Columbia, Maryland . When the local community was planned, names for the streets were needed and the team in charge of coming up with these names resorted to statistics, demographics, and geographical locations, among common elements. But they also took inspiration from things like literature and poetry, which helped them come up with beautiful names like Liquid Laughter Lane.

9

Pig’s Eye Lake Road

Image: Fabian Blank

Pig’s Eye Lake Road is a nod to an actual person named Pierre "Pig’s Eye" Parrent (nicknamed as such because he had only one eye), who played an important role in the history of St. Paul and Minnesota . He established a tavern that served as a meeting place for traders and settlers, making it a focal point in the community.

Today, Pig's Eye Lake Road continues to serve as a reminder of the area's history and the colorful characters who contributed to its development.

10

Ninth and a Half Street

Image: Nick Hillier

Since the second part of an address is typically a number, it is advisable to name the first part with a word rather than another number; however, there are exceptions. Ninth and a Half Street runs along the north-south boundary between what used to be Old Nebraska City and South Nebraska City (which now make up Nebraska City).

If you are wondering where this name came from, it has to do with the fact that the city was formed from three preexisting cities, and when they went to rename the streets of the newly formed city, the numbers didn’t quite line up.