allen wrench

This handy L-shaped tool used for turning bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets is named after the Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, where it was first produced.

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afro

Why is the bushy, frizzy hairstyle called an afro?

This hairstyle first became popular in America during the 1960s, when African-Americans (or "Afro-Americans") began rising up against prejudice and discrimination, embracing the long-suppressed Afro- half of their hyphenated designations and growing out their hair as an outward symbol of their newfound identities.

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Charlie (Viet Cong)

Why were members of the Viet Cong often called Charlie by American soldiers during the Vietnam War?

Charlie is a shortening of Victor Charlie, the international radio code for V.C.—which was, of course, an abbreviation of Viet Cong.

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