People are just learning what Q in Q-tip actually stands for after name change

They're something most people keep in their bathroom cabinet - but past that, they're not something you ever really think about.

However, some social media users have been left scratching their heads over what the Q in Q-tips actually stands for.

Leo Gerstenzang created Q-tips back in 1923 after watching his wife apply wads of cotton to a toothpick. From this, he went on to found the Leo Gerstenzang Infant Novelty Co., a firm which marketed care accessories.

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His product was originally called Baby Gays but, in 1926, the label was changed to read Q-tips Baby Gays until the second part of the name was dropped.

A statement on Q-tips' website reads: "We’re proud of our history, commitment to the environment, and legacy of softness and quality.

"Our products are sourced from sustainable forests, tested carefully, and biodegradable."

Commenting on the thread: "What does the 'Q' in Q-tips stand for?", one user joked: "Qon't put it in your ear."

Another user guessed: "If you look at the letter Q you will see a round part, and a tiny stub of a stick - the round part signifies the small fluffy cotton ball and looking at a Q-tip, the ends resemble the letter Q."

A third user added: "Quiver. Because that's what you do when you hit just. The right. Spot!"

Clearing up the confusion, the Q-tips website states: "The 'Q' in Q-tips stands for quality and the word 'tips' describes the cotton swab at the end of the stick."

It comes after snack lovers shared their shock after learning what Hobnobs stands for after 40 years. Introduced by McVitie's, Hobnobs quickly became a best seller, prompting the company to release a variant in 1987.

But, despite their popularity, many people have no idea what the brand name actually means, with many assuming it was made up for the biscuits.

However, it turns out the name has a deeper meaning linked to the company's vision to sell their biscuits to families.

The verb "to hobnob" actually means spending time being friendly with someone who is important or famous.

Adding to this, Secret World of Biscuits claims its iconic name also comes from the two words.