Why do postage stamps have curvy edges?
In the old days, stamps were printed on a big sheet of paper, and they'd use a machine to poke rows of tiny holes in the paper so that it would be easy to tear off individual stamps. Those "perforations" would make the edges of the torn off stamp look wavy. Modern stamps are printed on strips of …
The Short Answer
In the old days, stamps were printed on a big sheet of paper, and they'd use a machine to poke rows of tiny holes in the paper so that it would be easy to tear off individual stamps. Those "perforations" would make the edges of the torn off stamp look wavy. Modern stamps are printed on strips of sticky paper with a waxy backing so you can peal them off. Instead of poking holes through, they use a thing that looks like a cookie cutter to make cuts in the sticky paper and, usually, leave the backing paper uncut. Since people are so used to the wavy edges, the cutter has wavy edges to imitate the stamps from long ago. It no longer serves a function though. When you have something with a shape that mimics the shape of something older, but no longer serves the original, or any, purpose, that's called skeumorphism.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Paper, stamps, edges
This explanation focuses on paper, stamps, edges and spans 153 words across 7 sentences. At 125% above the average General Knowledge explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “In the old days, stamps were printed on a big sheet of paper, and they'd use a machine to poke rows of tiny holes in the” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.
How This Compares in General Knowledge
Ranked #18 of 500 General Knowledge questions by answer depth (top 4%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why postage stamps have curvy edges?
In the old days, stamps were printed on a big sheet of paper, and they'd use a machine to poke rows of tiny holes in the paper so that it would be easy to tear off individual stamps. Those "perforations" would make the edges of the torn off stamp…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar General Knowledge questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 153 words, ranked #18 of 500 General Knowledge questions by depth. The key concepts covered are paper, stamps, edges.
What approach does this answer take to explain postage stamps have curvy edges?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 153 words. It is categorized under General Knowledge and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.