Why Does Your Gas Smell: Kids Want To Know

Why does your gas smell? And why does yours smell worse? Kids asked this very scientific question.

Yes, we've stooped that low. But after running across a very interesting online publication called The Conversation, I had to write about it. And, of course, giggle at the same time.

You can write questions in to The Conversation, and they will answer them. There is a section called Curious Kids. Questions from children - and you know that kids have some of the best questions. And they are always followed up with "why?" Ummm, because. Go ahead and say it: Because I'm the adult!

After reading this one particular question, I realised that there apparently aren't any stupid questions. And honestly, I think a lot of people would secretly like to know the answer to this one.

A six year old girl name Kian wrote this one in, and asked the very important question: "Why Do Some Farts Smell, and Some Don't"? And I know many of you are as curious a little Kian is.

In a nutshell: It depends very much on the food you eat, and how much sulfur gets turned into hydrogen sulfide. Which literally smells like rotten eggs.

They also talked about why some farts feel - well - hot. Spicy food has a chemical called capsaicin (kap-SAY-sin). Capsaicin is also used to help relieve pain. Like neuralgia, and muscle pain. An it is indeed hot!

When you eat a lot of capsaicin, your body isn't able to break it all down. So, very simple explanation: It goes in spicy, and it comes out spicy too. Those of you who like spicy foods - YIKES!

In all honesty, although the passing gas question may seem silly, there are some great questions from kids on The Conversation: What are tummy rumbles? Why do our noses get snotty when we are sick? Why do fingers get wrinkly after a bath or swim? And many more that are actually very fascinating!

So now you know why some gas that is passed smells, and some doesn't. I mean in case that was a high priority question for you.

Ok parents, I did it for you - combed through some of the most common teen slang that kids are using in 2023.

Now some of it you’ll be familiar with, because you ARE a parent, or an aunt, or uncle, or grandparent! But some of it may surprise you. Is your kid using weird terminology or phrases? I mean IRL, what the heck are they saying?

Keep in mind that popular slang terms often are attributed to Gen Z, TikTok, Instagram, or other parts of pop culture  It’s also important to note that so many of these words and phrases stem from the roots of African American Vernacular English (AAVE).

Adults - here's some help from A to Z:

As parents, you will eventually catch on to their kids slang, so often kids will opt for emojis instead of typing out full words. So here’s some help with the emoji slang - at least the ones I can get away with.

It's a booty, rear-end - a BUTT!

Hot! Or HAWT!!

Symbolizes a lie, which could also be called a “cap.” (see above list)

Feeling frisky, or naughty, Or - nasty.

Used when sending or receiving nudes.

Indicates “spiciness." (inappropriate or risque content)

Represents "porn," especially on TikTok

Please tell me you know.

Again, please tell me you know...