# 20 Questions version 6.0 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 3, 2002, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670 "2002-04-03T22:26:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2002, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/41 "2002-04-05T16:46:30Z")
**Protesilaus** asked: 18) _Is its main purpose entertainment?_ **Pro-something** , nope. **Caught@Work** , the space dog **Laika** is right. You need to get it on your 20th question. The question would be something like, 20) _Is it an elephant_? And no, that won’t count as one of your 20 questions. **White Lightning** , yeah, that’s the same reason I was confused. So since neither one of us cannot answer that question, we won’t count it. **Everybody: Number your next question 18.5.** And yes, I agree with everything you said; groovy indeed. **Laika** , the reason you haven’t found the answer in one of the other threads is because I remember it being in the first game, where the answer was time. That game, however, was lost the big crash, so I can’t really give you a link. **junior** , I don’t do recaps. Hehehehehe 🆒 And **Anus** , hmmmm… Hi. ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2002, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/42 "2002-04-05T16:49:00Z")
Crap, that should be “Since neither one of us could answer the question…” ---
**Author:** ![jaytini2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@jaytini2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaytini2)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2002, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/43 "2002-04-05T16:52:00Z")
what i meant was, is this something that someone would have a job completely dependant on, for examle a computer technition works on computers, however, i realize the question was kinda stupid, and i am sorry i wasted a question…it was thursday aternoon, and i was a little loopy…it sounded much better in my head. ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2002, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/44 "2002-04-05T17:00:04Z")
**Tiny Jay II** , don’t feel bad. I do…sort of…get the question now. I guess someone has to make them, would that count for a yes? Since I already said you’re on 18.5, you’re still on 18.5. You guys pretty much got an extra question for free. Well, not really. I didn’t give you a very good answer for this one, but lets hope that **WL** understands it… ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2002, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/45 "2002-04-05T21:37:22Z")
I get it now. ‘A job related to its use’ means a ‘job’ in the sense of an _occupation_ or _career path_, not in the sense of a _function_. So if the object was, for example, ‘advertising,’ the answer to that question would be **yes** , because there are people whose occupation is to advertise, whereas if the object was ‘Legos,’ the answer would be **no** , because there aren’t any people whose occupation is to build things with tiny plastic bricks (note that while there are people whose occupation is to manufacture Legos, that occupation is not specifically related to the _use_ of Legos). So I don’t think manufacturing an object counts, unless the manufacturing is specifically related to the use of the object, and I can’t off the top of my head think of any object for which that would be the case. I’m going with a solid **no** for 16. I’m still thinking about 17. It’s problematic, in a surprisingly deep way. It calls into question the whole idea of utility to some degree. Hopefully I can explain this a little better when we all know what we’re talking about. But since you’re on the wrong track, I will further clarify my answer. Let me put it this way. 17A) _Do you use it with something else?_ **Yes**. 17B) _Do you add something to it to make it useful?_ **No**. ---
**Author:** ![jaytini2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@jaytini2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaytini2)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2002, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/46 "2002-04-05T21:41:36Z")
thank you both for understanding…woo-hoo!!! i was getting concerned i ruined the whole post…nothing spoken for hours! ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2002, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/47 "2002-04-06T00:54:32Z")
1. Is it ingested by humans (i.e. do you eat or drink it)? ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2002, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/48 "2002-04-06T01:13:12Z")
**SpoilerVirgin** asked: 18.5) _Is it ingested by humans (i.e. do you eat or drink it)?_ **Ms. Virgin** , nope… And thanks for clearing everything up, **White Lightning**. ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2002, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/49 "2002-04-06T03:21:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by \*\*Yo La Tengo \*\*\* > And thanks for clearing everything up, **White Lightning**. \*\* 'S what I’m here for. Last two guesses, people – make 'em count! Since I am supposedly here to help, here’s a recap for y’all. Recap: [ol] [li]It _is_ made of atoms. [/li][li]It’s _not_ a monkey. [/li][li]Some people probably encounter it daily. I don’t, though.[/li][li]It does _not_ require energy to function. [/li][li]It is _not_ alive. [/li][li]It _is_ thought of as being possessed by (some) people[/li][li]It _is_ man-made. [/li][li]It is _not_ a single specific thing. [/li][li]It is _not_ larger than an average car. [/li][li]It does _not_ have to do with injuring people or animals.[/li][li]It _is_ found in people’s homes while in normal use.[/li][li]It has _not_ been invented recently.[/li][li]Its purpose is _not_ primarily aesthetic.[/li][li]It has _not_ been used to further mankind.[/li][li]It is _not_ normally capitalized as in a brand name.[/li][li]It does _not_ have an occupation specifically related to its use, although someone does have to make it.[/ol][/li]Here’s where it gets complicated. 17A. Do you use it with something else? **Yes**. 17B. Do you add something to it to make it useful? **No**. 18. Its main purpose is _not_ entertainment. 18.5. It is _not_ ingested by humans (i.e. one can _not_ eat or drink it. Remember, next question is 19 (or 19.5 as you prefer), and the one _after_ that is 20 – and that’s all you get. ---
**Author:** ![Check6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@Check6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Check6)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2002, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/50 "2002-04-06T04:24:12Z")
Does it have any moving parts? ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2002, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/51 "2002-04-06T14:15:13Z")
**Check6** asked: 19) _Does it have any moving parts?_ **Like chess, eh?** , welcome to the boards. As for the question, I’m going to say yes. I’m pretty sure this is right, but I’d like a second opinion from **WL**. Ok, I seriously think will not have a prayer of a chance at getting this without any clues. So naturally, here come the clues. **Hint 3** : The word is a compound word. (A compound word is two smaller words combined into one, like firefly) **Hint 4** : Remember, we like to play tricks. This is not an ordinary game of 20 Questions. Well, it’s sort of ordinary, more ordinary than the others, but it still has kind of a “joke” to it, though. **Hint 5** : You don’t know much about the size (you only know it’s smaller than a car), so I’ll give you this: It’s larger than a book, with maybe the exception of some huge encyclopedia. **Hint 5** : The questions that should help you out the most are 1, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17A, and 18. Should be enough for now. **WL** , if you’d like to add anything, feel free. Make sure you don’t give it away, though. You guys get one guess, don’t blow it. You can talk among yourselves, like they did in the first game. For example: Doper1: It sounds like it could a door or something. Doper2: I was thinking the same thing, but then #12 would be a yes. Doper1: Oh, I guess you’re right. Doper3: How about a window? Doper1: No, because in #4 someone asked if it was a window. Doper3: Oh yeah… It kind of goes on like that. Don’t be afraid to say anything, but I wouldn’t guess anything too bizarre or right away without bringing it up first. So long for now, I expect you’ll have a guess by the end of today… ---
**Author:** ![Check6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@Check6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Check6)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2002, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/52 "2002-04-06T16:35:56Z")
Actually I’m not much of a chess man. This was my attempt at an intimidating nickname to play violent online games under. Anyhow, I must now concede that it’s definitely not a paperweight. How about a breadbox? [ul] [li]It fits all the questions so far[/li][li]It is a humorous choice – a reference to the standard question “Bigger or smaller than a breadbox?”[/li][li]It is a compound word[/li][li]It is smaller than a car and bigger than a book[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2002, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/53 "2002-04-06T23:44:14Z")
I don’t know if you all are waiting for me to say something or not, so I’ll say something… [Regis] Is that your final ans– [/Regis] ::Hit by tomato:: Hey! Who did that? Anybody else want to say something? Don’t be afraid… ---
**Author:** ![Loopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loopus/32/15343_2.png) [@Loopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopus)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2002, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/54 "2002-04-07T02:07:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Check6 \* > \*\*How about a breadbox? > [ul] > [li]It fits all the questions so far[/li][li]It is a humorous choice – a reference to the standard question “Bigger or smaller than a breadbox?”[/li][li]It is a compound word[/li][li]It is smaller than a car and bigger than a book[/li][/ul] \*\* And it was mentioned in a previous game, although I think it was one swallowed up by the December 7[sup]th[/sup] thing. I think you’re right, **Check6** , but I’m not sure I want to take the responsibility of guessing it. Anyone else think this is it? -“Loopy” Loopus 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![robinc308](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@robinc308](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robinc308)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2002, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/55 "2002-04-07T07:31:14Z")
I’m tending to agree with those who have suggested breadbox. Not only does it fit with the answers given thus far, it also fits in terms of the questions that caused confusion (or required a second opinion) (as in I can see how it could cause confusion). ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2002, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/56 "2002-04-07T18:21:44Z")
Well? Who’s going to be the one that will say it? I’m sure that EVERYBODY won’t hate you if it’s wrong… 😃 **Lobster**? **Loopy**? **Check**? Anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Loopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loopus/32/15343_2.png) [@Loopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopus)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2002, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/57 "2002-04-07T18:29:46Z")
Very well, since no one else is stepping up, and I really want to know if it’s right: **20.** Is it a breadbox? -“Loopy” Loopus ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2002, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/58 "2002-04-07T18:45:08Z")
'Bout time… **Loopus** asked: 20) _Is it a breadbox?_ **Loopy** , this is quite astounding. Yes, it is a breadbox. How’d you get that?! Not once throughtout the entire game did you guys show that you knew what you were talking about. Then **Check** comes in and on his second post ever figures it out. :rolleyes: Good job, guys and gals. I’m curious, what gave it away? Was it one of my hints? Anywho, I’d like to share something with you… > [@](#): > > _E-mail to White Lightning from me on 4/2/2002 6:38:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time_ > **Okay, I was thinking of doing something that is material this time. I was thinking about something like a breadbox. So when they ask “is it bigger than a breadbox?” I can say no. Hehehe. So what do you think?** Not that you’d probably care, but… maybe you do. Oh well, good game, everyone. I’ll start a 7th sometime soon. School is starting again tomorrow, though, so I won’t have as much free time. (I’ve been on spring break the past week) Expect to see one near the end of the week, either Thursday or Friday. Until then, see ya. ---
**Author:** ![Check6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@Check6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Check6)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2002, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/59 "2002-04-08T01:07:42Z")
> [@](#): > > Loopy, this is quite astounding. Yes, it is a breadbox. How’d you get that?! Not once throughtout the entire game did you guys show that you knew what you were talking about. Check6 was thinking… _Bigger than a book… why didn’t he say breadbox? Everyone says breadbox. Breadbox. Breadbox…_ **Eyes light up** _Breadbox!_ ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2002, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670/60 "2002-04-08T03:03:47Z")
So, what I’d like to know is, is a breadbox useful in the absence of bread? Assuming that the sole purpose and source of usefulness of a breadbox is to hold bread (while you could concievably use it to hold something else, that’s cheating), does the breadbox derive its utility from its theoretical capability to hold bread, or from the actual activity itself of holding the bread? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/20-questions-version-6-0/101670.md?page=4)