MEXICAN LAST NAMES
This surname, which means "Son of Gonzalo," is shared by the speedy mouse "Speedy" and a popular Mexican singer named Pepe.
What is González?
If you need to mail a letter for the price of a Forever Stamp (which keeps getting more expensive), you use this government agency.
What is the USPS (United States Postal Service)?
This pink bird gets its color from the beta-carotene in the shrimp and algae it eats; it is famous for standing on one leg.
What is a Flamingo?
These foam clogs with holes in them were once considered "ugly" but became the ultimate comfort shoe for Gen Z; don't forget to put them in "Sport Mode."
What are Crocs?
This technology allows you to connect your phone to a speaker or your AirPods without any wires over short distances.
What is Bluetooth?
Common in California, this last name (meaning "Son of Rodrigo") is the most common surname in Mexico and the U.S. among Hispanic populations.
What is Rodríguez?
If you have a job, you'll notice a chunk of your paycheck goes to this agency, which handles retirement and disability benefits for older Americans.
What is Social Security?
This tiny bird is the only one capable of flying backward and hovering in place; its wings beat up to 80 times per second.
What is a Hummingbird?
Named after the NBA legend who creates them, this brand of Nike sneakers (specifically the Retro 1s and 4s) are the most collected shoes in high school.
What are Jordans (or Air Jordans)?
This wireless networking technology uses radio waves to provide high-speed internet connections; when it's down, you probably restart the router.
What is Wi-Fi?
This surname comes from the word for "Cross" or "Crosses" and is shared by a famous actress named Penelope and a Texas Senator named Ted.
What is Cruz?
This agency insures your bank deposits up to $250,000, so if your bank goes bankrupt, you don't lose all your money.
What is the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)?
Known for its incredible intelligence, this black bird can solve puzzles, use tools, and hold grudges against humans who annoy it.
What is a Crow (or Raven)?
These sheepskin boots from Australia are a winter staple for girls in SoCal, usually worn with leggings or sweatpants.
What are UGGs?
This generation of cellular network technology (which rolled out widely around 2020) offers faster speeds and lower latency than 4G LTE.
What is 5G?
Meaning "Son of Lope" (which itself comes from lupus, meaning wolf), this name is famously attached to J.Lo.
What is López?
Travelers who want to skip the long security lines at LAX can sign up for a "Trusted Traveler" program run by the this administration.
What is the TSA?
This large bird of prey is the national emblem of the United States; despite the name, it has white feathers on its head, not a lack of hair.
What is a Bald Eagle?
Known for their "star" logo and artificially scuffed look, these expensive Italian sneakers are a status symbol that look like they've already been worn for years.
What are Golden Goose?
This global navigation system uses a network of over 30 satellites orbiting Earth to pinpoint your exact location for Google Maps.
What is GPS (Global Positioning System)?
This surname is of Basque origin meaning "The Cold Valley" with the combination of the Basque words "mendi" and "hotza."
What is Mendoza?
This dreaded agency is responsible for collecting federal taxes and enforcing the Internal Revenue Code; April 15th is their favorite day.
What is the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)?
This flightless bird from New Zealand is unique because its nostrils are located at the very end of its long beak to help it sniff out food in the dirt.
What is a Kiwi?
These German sandals feature a cork footbed that molds to your foot over time; the "Arizona" two-strap model is the most famous.
What are Birkenstocks?
This technology allows you to pay with your phone (Apple Pay) or tap your Clipper card by bringing the devices within 4 centimeters of each other.
What is NFC (Near Field Communication)?