Photo: Mait Jüriado

There’s nothing like a little useless information on the web to keep you busy when you should be working and have finally reached the point where you can Facebook no more. In the spirit of the cold and flu season, when people sneeze more often than at any other time of the year, here’s a look at some little known facts about sternutation.

A sneeze by any other name

It’s not a pretty word, but ‘sternutation’ is the official name for sneezing, and has been since the 16^th century. The word ‘sneeze’ developed from the Anglo Saxon word fneosan (to snort or sneeze), which had a nice onomatopoeic ring to it. The first recorded example of the use of the word ‘sneeze’, a simplification of the Old English, is from the 1640s.

Eyes wide shut

Nobody knows why, but we can’t sneeze with our eyes open. Pay attention next time you feel a bout of sternutation coming on; you’ll find your eyes will close in reflex. Some think that this is meant to protect our eyes from anything that might come out of our noses and mouths when we sneeze. Others say the closing of the eyes is just one of the many muscle contractions that take place when we sneeze. Luckily, there’s absolutely no evidence to support the old wives’ tale that sneezing with your eyes open will cause your eyes to pop out.

The secret language of sneezing

Internationally renowned body language expert Patti Wood says that interpreting the way a person sneezes can tell you quite a bit about their personalities. She lists four types of sneezers:

• ‘Corrects’ always have a tissue at hand and cover their mouths when sneezing. This, according to Wood, means they are dignified and respectful of others.
• The ‘Expressive’, on the other hand, makes a big display of sneezing. This could be a sign of a dramatic, dominating person.
• The ‘Supporter’ shows a caring character by holding in sneezes rather than risking sneezing on others.
• The ‘Driver’, who sneezes loudly and quickly, is said to be a direct person who is not afraid of challenging conventions.

Whether you fneosan, sneeze, or sternutate, whether you’re a polite sneezer or an ‘Expressive’, do please remember to cover your nose when you’re at it. Most bacteria and viruses that cause colds and flu can be spread by air, and a sneeze can travel a full 20 feet.

Tags: hygiene