explain xkcd - User contributions [en]

1824: Identification Chart

2017-04-14T15:37:23Z

Silvaitos: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1824
| date = April 14, 2017
| title = Identification Chart
| image = identification_chart.png
| titletext = Be careful-it's breeding season, and some of these can be *extremely* defensive of their nests.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a BOT - Please change this comment when editing this page. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

Some aircraft are named after creatures of flight, including {{w|bird of prey|birds of prey}}, other birds, and insects. This comic presents an "identification guide" of silhouettes, each with the {{w|fuselage}} of an aircraft and the wings of the flying animal from which the aircraft gets its name. All are birds with the exception of the {{w|hornet|hornet}} which is an insect. This would be absurd if it was a plane with the feathers designed, as bird wings are usually made to support the lightweight structure of a bird and supporting the parts of a plane with its human pilot would be impossible.{{Citation needed}} Alternatively, it could hint at a universe where the air force uses cyborg flying animals.

General military training often includes aircraft identification. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_recognition Silhouette charts] are given to ground observers for memorization and reference so that friend or foe can be determined in the field.

The comic highlights not only the various designs of aircraft tails, but also bird wings. Some wings are highly adapted for soaring (eagle), speed (falcon), as well as rapid acceleration and short flights (blackbird).

{| class="wikitable"
!Animal
! style="width: 8em" | Plane
!Description
|-
|{{w|Osprey|Osprey}}
|{{w|Bell_Boeing_V-22_Osprey|V-22 Osprey}}
|This tilt-rotor aircraft has been in development since the 1980s, and was introduced to the U.S. Armed Forces in 2007. (''{{w|Bell Helicopter}}'' and {{w|Boeing Rotorcraft Systems|''Boeing''}})
|-
|{{w|Hornet|Hornet}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet|F/A-18 Hornet}}
|A design stemming from the 1970s, the U.S. Navy now flies an updated and larger version, the {{w|F/A-18E/F Super Hornet}}. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Falcon|Falcon}}
|{{w|General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon|F-16 Falcon}}
|A smaller, more versatile fighter jet than its predecessors. It has been sold to many foreign air forces. (''{{w|General Dynamics}}'')
|-
|{{w|Harrier|Harrier}}
|{{w|Harrier_Jump_Jet|AV-8B Harrier}}
|The first operational {{w|STOL}}/{{w|VTOL}} fighter. They are known for their use in the {{w|Falklands War}} (1982), where they operated from converted cargo ships as well as aircraft carriers. (''{{w|Hawker Siddeley}}'')
|-
|{{w|Eagle|Eagle}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F-15_Eagle|F-15 Eagle}}
|Introduced in 1976, other jets like F-16 have filled its role. The U.S. Air National Guard is the largest operator as of now. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Kestrel|Kestrel}}
|{{w|Kestrel_K-350|Kestrel K-350}}
|The Kestrel is a single-engine, proof-of-concept aircraft, similar to the {{w|Pilatus PC-12}}. (''{{w|Kestrel Aircraft}}'')
|-
|{{w|Hawk|Hawk}}
|{{w|BAE_Systems_Hawk|Hawk T1}}
|A trainer aircraft. {{w|T-45 Goshawk}} is the U.S. designation of a variant of this aircraft. The fuselage silhouette is of a BAe Hawk, although other aircraft have also had Hawk-related names, for example the Hawker [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_Sea_Hawk Sea Hawk] and the Douglas [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_A-4_Skyhawk A-4 Skyhawk]. (''{{w|BAE Systems}}'')
|-
|{{w|Blackbird|Blackbird}}
|{{w|Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird|SR-71 Blackbird}}
|A Mach 3+ spy aircraft, known for its speed and engine design (which allowed them to work both as turbines and ramjets). (''{{w|Lockheed Martin}}'')
|}

The title text is juxtaposing military air bases with breeding nests of the animals--both of which might earn a hostile response to approach at the wrong time, but in wildly different measure. Encroaching on breeding territory of some of the birds being referenced may result in getting dived at or chased, so the comparison invites the reader to imagine what might happen if the analogous creatures in the comic were defending their nest with aircraft ordnance.

==Transcript==
{{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

{{comic discussion}}

1824: Identification Chart

2017-04-14T15:36:48Z

Silvaitos: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1824
| date = April 14, 2017
| title = Identification Chart
| image = identification_chart.png
| titletext = Be careful-it's breeding season, and some of these can be *extremely* defensive of their nests.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a BOT - Please change this comment when editing this page. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

Some aircraft are named after creatures of flight, including {{w|bird of prey|birds of prey}}, other birds, and insects. This comic presents an "identification guide" of silhouettes, each with the {{w|fuselage}} of an aircraft and the wings of the flying animal from which the aircraft gets its name. All are birds with the exception of the {{w|hornet|hornet}} which is an insect. This would be absurd if it was a plane with the feathers designed, as bird wings are usually made to support the lightweight structure of a bird and supporting the parts of a plane with its human pilot would be impossible.{{Citation needed}} Alternatively, it could hint at a universe where the air force uses cyborg flying animals.

General military training often includes aircraft identification. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_recognition Silhouette charts] are given to ground observers for memorization and reference so that friend or foe can be determined in the field.

The comic highlights not only the various designs of aircraft tails, but also bird wings. Some wings are highly adapted for soaring (eagle), speed (falcon), as well as rapid acceleration and short flights (blackbird).

{| class="wikitable"
!Animal
! style="width: 8em" | Plane
!Description
|-
|{{w|Osprey|Osprey}}
|{{w|Bell_Boeing_V-22_Osprey|V-22 Osprey}}
|This tilt-rotor aircraft has been in development since the 1980s, and was introduced to the U.S. Armed Forces in 2007. (''{{w|Bell Helicopter}}'' and {{w|Boeing Rotorcraft Systems|''Boeing''}})
|-
|{{w|Hornet|Hornet}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet|F/A-18 Hornet}}
|A design stemming from the 1970s, the U.S. Navy now flies an updated and larger version, the {{w|F/A-18E/F Super Hornet}}. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Falcon|Falcon}}
|{{w|General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon|F-16 Falcon}}
|A smaller, more versatile fighter jet than its predecessors. It has been sold to many foreign air forces. (''{{w|General Dynamics}}'')
|-
|{{w|Harrier|Harrier}}
|{{w|Harrier_Jump_Jet|AV-8B Harrier}}
|The first operational {{w|STOL}}/{{w|VTOL}} fighter. They are known for their use in the {{w|Falklands War}} (1982), where they operated from converted cargo ships as well as aircraft carriers. (''{{w|Hawker Siddeley}}'')
|-
|{{w|Eagle|Eagle}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F-15_Eagle|F-15 Eagle}}
|Introduced in 1976, other jets like F-16 have filled its role. The U.S. Air National Guard is the largest operator as of now. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Kestrel|Kestrel}}
|{{w|Kestrel_K-350|Kestrel K-350}}
|The Kestrel is a single-engine, proof-of-concept aircraft, similar to the {{w|Pilatus PC-12}}. (''{{w|Kestrel Aircraft}}'')
|-
|{{w|Hawk|Hawk}}
|{{w|BAE_Systems_Hawk|Hawk T1}}
|A trainer aircraft. {{w|T-45 Goshawk}} is the U.S. designation of a variant of this aircraft. The fuselage silhouette is of a BAe Hawk, although other aircraft have also had Hawk-related names, for example the Hawker [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_Sea_Hawk Sea Hawk] and the Douglas [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_A-4_Skyhawk A-4 Skyhawk]. (''{{w|BAE Systems}}'')
|-
|{{w|Blackbird|Blackbird}}
|{{w|Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird|SR-71 Blackbird}}
|A Mach 3+ spy aircraft, known for its speed and engine design (which allowed them to work both as turbines and ramjets). (''{{w|Lockheed Martin}}'')
|}

The title text is juxtaposing military air bases with breeding nests of the animals--both of which might earn a hostile response to approach at the wrong time, but in wildly different measure. Encroaching on breeding territory of some the birds being referenced may result in getting dived at or chased, so the comparison invites the reader to imagine what might happen if the analogous creatures in the comic were defending their nest with aircraft ordnance.

==Transcript==
{{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

{{comic discussion}}

1824: Identification Chart

2017-04-14T15:36:02Z

Silvaitos: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1824
| date = April 14, 2017
| title = Identification Chart
| image = identification_chart.png
| titletext = Be careful-it's breeding season, and some of these can be *extremely* defensive of their nests.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a BOT - Please change this comment when editing this page. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

Some aircraft are named after creatures of flight, including {{w|bird of prey|birds of prey}}, other birds, and insects. This comic presents an "identification guide" of silhouettes, each with the {{w|fuselage}} of an aircraft and the wings of the flying animal from which the aircraft gets its name. All are birds with the exception of the {{w|hornet|hornet}} which is an insect. This would be absurd if it was a plane with the feathers designed, as bird wings are usually made to support the lightweight structure of a bird and supporting the parts of a plane with its human pilot would be impossible.{{Citation needed}} Alternatively, it could hint at a universe where the air force uses cyborg flying animals.

General military training often includes aircraft identification. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_recognition Silhouette charts] are given to ground observers for memorization and reference so that friend or foe can be determined in the field.

The comic highlights not only the various designs of aircraft tails, but also bird wings. Some wings are highly adapted for soaring (eagle), speed (falcon), as well as rapid acceleration and short flights (blackbird).

{| class="wikitable"
!Animal
! style="width: 8em" | Plane
!Description
|-
|{{w|Osprey|Osprey}}
|{{w|Bell_Boeing_V-22_Osprey|V-22 Osprey}}
|This tilt-rotor aircraft has been in development since the 1980s, and was introduced to the U.S. Armed Forces in 2007. (''{{w|Bell Helicopter}}'' and {{w|Boeing Rotorcraft Systems|''Boeing''}})
|-
|{{w|Hornet|Hornet}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet|F/A-18 Hornet}}
|A design stemming from the 1970s, the U.S. Navy now flies an updated and larger version, the {{w|F/A-18E/F Super Hornet}}. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Falcon|Falcon}}
|{{w|General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon|F-16 Falcon}}
|A smaller, more versatile fighter jet than its predecessors. It has been sold to many foreign air forces. (''{{w|General Dynamics}}'')
|-
|{{w|Harrier|Harrier}}
|{{w|Harrier_Jump_Jet|AV-8B Harrier}}
|The first operational {{w|STOL}}/{{w|VTOL}} fighter. They are known for their use in the {{w|Falklands War}} (1982), where they operated from converted cargo ships as well as aircraft carriers. (''{{w|Hawker Siddeley}}'')
|-
|{{w|Eagle|Eagle}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F-15_Eagle|F-15 Eagle}}
|Introduced in 1976, other jets like F-16 have filled its role. The U.S. Air National Guard is the largest operator as of now. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Kestrel|Kestrel}}
|{{w|Kestrel_K-350|Kestrel K-350}}
|The Kestrel is a single-engine, proof-of-concept aircraft, similar to the {{w|Pilatus PC-12}}. (''{{w|Kestrel Aircraft}}'')
|-
|{{w|Hawk|Hawk}}
|{{w|BAE_Systems_Hawk|Hawk T1}}
|A trainer aircraft. {{w|T-45 Goshawk}} is the U.S. designation of a variant of this aircraft. The fuselage silhouette is of a BAe Hawk, although other aircraft have also had Hawk-related names, for example the Hawker [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_Sea_Hawk Sea Hawk] and the Douglas [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_A-4_Skyhawk A-4 Skyhawk]. (''{{w|BAE Systems}}'')
|-
|{{w|Blackbird|Blackbird}}
|{{w|Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird|SR-71 Blackbird}}
|A Mach 3+ spy aircraft, known for its speed and engine design (which allowed them to work both as turbines and ramjets). (''{{w|Lockheed Martin}}'')
|}

The title text is juxtaposing military air bases with breeding nests of the animals--both of which might earn a hostile response to approach at the wrong time, but in wildly different measure. Encroaching on breeding territory of the birds may result in getting dived at or chased, so the comparison invites the reader to imagine what might happen if the creatures in the comic were defending their nest with aircraft ordnance.

==Transcript==
{{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

{{comic discussion}}

1824: Identification Chart

2017-04-14T15:34:00Z

Silvaitos: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1824
| date = April 14, 2017
| title = Identification Chart
| image = identification_chart.png
| titletext = Be careful-it's breeding season, and some of these can be *extremely* defensive of their nests.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a BOT - Please change this comment when editing this page. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

Some aircraft are named after creatures of flight, including {{w|bird of prey|birds of prey}}, other birds, and insects. This comic presents an "identification guide" of silhouettes, each with the {{w|fuselage}} of an aircraft and the wings of the flying animal from which the aircraft gets its name. All are birds with the exception of the {{w|hornet|hornet}} which is an insect. This would be absurd if it was a plane with the feathers designed, as bird wings are usually made to support the lightweight structure of a bird and supporting the parts of a plane with its human pilot would be impossible.{{Citation needed}} Alternatively, it could hint at a universe where the air force uses cyborg flying animals.

General military training often includes aircraft identification. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_recognition Silhouette charts] are given to ground observers for memorization and reference so that friend or foe can be determined in the field.

The comic highlights not only the various designs of aircraft tails, but also bird wings. Some wings are highly adapted for soaring (eagle), speed (falcon), as well as rapid acceleration and short flights (blackbird).

{| class="wikitable"
!Animal
! style="width: 8em" | Plane
!Description
|-
|{{w|Osprey|Osprey}}
|{{w|Bell_Boeing_V-22_Osprey|V-22 Osprey}}
|This tilt-rotor aircraft has been in development since the 1980s, and was introduced to the U.S. Armed Forces in 2007. (''{{w|Bell Helicopter}}'' and {{w|Boeing Rotorcraft Systems|''Boeing''}})
|-
|{{w|Hornet|Hornet}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet|F/A-18 Hornet}}
|A design stemming from the 1970s, the U.S. Navy now flies an updated and larger version, the {{w|F/A-18E/F Super Hornet}}. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Falcon|Falcon}}
|{{w|General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon|F-16 Falcon}}
|A smaller, more versatile fighter jet than its predecessors. It has been sold to many foreign air forces. (''{{w|General Dynamics}}'')
|-
|{{w|Harrier|Harrier}}
|{{w|Harrier_Jump_Jet|AV-8B Harrier}}
|The first operational {{w|STOL}}/{{w|VTOL}} fighter. They are known for their use in the {{w|Falklands War}} (1982), where they operated from converted cargo ships as well as aircraft carriers. (''{{w|Hawker Siddeley}}'')
|-
|{{w|Eagle|Eagle}}
|{{w|McDonnell_Douglas_F-15_Eagle|F-15 Eagle}}
|Introduced in 1976, other jets like F-16 have filled its role. The U.S. Air National Guard is the largest operator as of now. (''{{w|McDonnell Douglas}}'')
|-
|{{w|Kestrel|Kestrel}}
|{{w|Kestrel_K-350|Kestrel K-350}}
|The Kestrel is a single-engine, proof-of-concept aircraft, similar to the {{w|Pilatus PC-12}}. (''{{w|Kestrel Aircraft}}'')
|-
|{{w|Hawk|Hawk}}
|{{w|BAE_Systems_Hawk|Hawk T1}}
|A trainer aircraft. {{w|T-45 Goshawk}} is the U.S. designation of a variant of this aircraft. The fuselage silhouette is of a BAe Hawk, although other aircraft have also had Hawk-related names, for example the Hawker [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_Sea_Hawk Sea Hawk] and the Douglas [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_A-4_Skyhawk A-4 Skyhawk]. (''{{w|BAE Systems}}'')
|-
|{{w|Blackbird|Blackbird}}
|{{w|Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird|SR-71 Blackbird}}
|A Mach 3+ spy aircraft, known for its speed and engine design (which allowed them to work both as turbines and ramjets). (''{{w|Lockheed Martin}}'')
|}

The title text is juxtaposing military air bases with breeding nests of the animals--both of which might earn a hostile response to approach at the wrong time, but in wildly different measure. Encroaching on breeding territory of animals may result in getting dived at or chased by birds, so the comparison invites the reader to imagine what might happen if the creatures were defending their nest with aircraft ordnance.

==Transcript==
{{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

{{comic discussion}}

1640: Super Bowl Context

2016-02-08T07:45:53Z

Silvaitos: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1640
| date = February 8, 2016
| title = Super Bowl Context
| image = super_bowl_context.png
| titletext = Why did the chicken cross the road? It begins over five thousand years ago with the domestication of the red junglefowl in southeast Asia and the development of paved roads in the Sumerian city of Ur.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Simply explained explanation}}

Cueball is a nerd. Nerds have too much information in their head. They feel the need to disseminate the information in any trivial conversation. Normal non-nerd people like to have context free conversations and white hat invites cueball to try to fit in with normal people's conversational style. Cueball have however issues not dispersing information and whitehat gives up.

Cueball in this comic may represent Randall, as much of xkcd is spawned from, or occasionally poking fun at, his own hyperanalytical tendencies.

As a trivial note, this comic is a rare instance of [[White Hat]] not being used as a fall guy for the joke.

==Transcript==
[White Hat and Cueball are walking together.]

White Hat: Did you watch the Super Bowl?

Cueball: Yes, like a third of the country. A fraction that is steadily ''increasing'' despite media fragmentation.

White Hat: Can't we just talk without your weird need to give context for everything?

Cueball: Sorry. I'll try.

White Hat: Sounds like Peyton Manning's probably going to retire.

[Cueball bunches his hands into fists. He is clearly struggling.]

Cueball: Yes, I...it...

White Hat: C'mon, you can do it...

Cueball: He...'''''Mammals like Peyton age via a process that involves both the accumulation of damage and poorly-understood timed factors. Yet the concept of retirement itself is surprisingly recent...'''''

White Hat: Okay, good try. Maybe next year.

{{comic discussion}}

1640: Super Bowl Context

2016-02-08T07:45:28Z

Silvaitos: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1640
| date = February 8, 2016
| title = Super Bowl Context
| image = super_bowl_context.png
| titletext = Why did the chicken cross the road? It begins over five thousand years ago with the domestication of the red junglefowl in southeast Asia and the development of paved roads in the Sumerian city of Ur.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Simply explained explanation}}

Cueball is a nerd. Nerds have too much information in their head. They feel the need to disseminate the information in any trivial conversation. Normal non-nerd people like to have context free conversations and white hat invites cueball to try to fit in with normal people's conversational style. Cueball have however issues not dispersing information and whitehat gives up.

Cueball in this comic may represent Randall, as much of xkcd is spawned from, or occasionally poking fun at, his own hyperanalytical tendencies.

As a trivial note, this comic is a rare instance of [[white hat]] not being used as a fall guy for the joke.

==Transcript==
[White Hat and Cueball are walking together.]

White Hat: Did you watch the Super Bowl?

Cueball: Yes, like a third of the country. A fraction that is steadily ''increasing'' despite media fragmentation.

White Hat: Can't we just talk without your weird need to give context for everything?

Cueball: Sorry. I'll try.

White Hat: Sounds like Peyton Manning's probably going to retire.

[Cueball bunches his hands into fists. He is clearly struggling.]

Cueball: Yes, I...it...

White Hat: C'mon, you can do it...

Cueball: He...'''''Mammals like Peyton age via a process that involves both the accumulation of damage and poorly-understood timed factors. Yet the concept of retirement itself is surprisingly recent...'''''

White Hat: Okay, good try. Maybe next year.

{{comic discussion}}

1640: Super Bowl Context

2016-02-08T07:43:55Z

Silvaitos: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1640
| date = February 8, 2016
| title = Super Bowl Context
| image = super_bowl_context.png
| titletext = Why did the chicken cross the road? It begins over five thousand years ago with the domestication of the red junglefowl in southeast Asia and the development of paved roads in the Sumerian city of Ur.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Simply explained explanation}}

Cueball is a nerd. Nerds have too much information in their head. They feel the need to disseminate the information in any trivial conversation. Normal non-nerd people like to have context free conversations and white hat invites cueball to try to fit in with normal people's conversational style. Cueball have however issues not dispersing information and whitehat gives up.

Cueball in this comic may represent Randall, as much of xkcd is spawned from, or occasionally poking fun at, his own hyperanalytical tendencies.

==Transcript==
[White Hat and Cueball are walking together.]

White Hat: Did you watch the Super Bowl?

Cueball: Yes, like a third of the country. A fraction that is steadily ''increasing'' despite media fragmentation.

White Hat: Can't we just talk without your weird need to give context for everything?

Cueball: Sorry. I'll try.

White Hat: Sounds like Peyton Manning's probably going to retire.

[Cueball bunches his hands into fists. He is clearly struggling.]

Cueball: Yes, I...it...

White Hat: C'mon, you can do it...

Cueball: He...'''''Mammals like Peyton age via a process that involves both the accumulation of damage and poorly-understood timed factors. Yet the concept of retirement itself is surprisingly recent...'''''

White Hat: Okay, good try. Maybe next year.

{{comic discussion}}