Original General FAQ
Quick answers for OGs and the curious.
A classic VHS videocassette: Jacek Halicki, CC BY-SA 4.0
FAQ
What does OG mean?
Short for original gangster in hip hop slang, it now commonly means original, authentic or old-school, the first of its kind.
What was the first item scanned with a barcode?
A pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum, in Troy, Ohio, on June 26, 1974.
When did sliced bread first go on sale?
July 7, 1928, in Chillicothe, Missouri.
Who made the first handheld cell phone call?
Martin Cooper of Motorola, in New York in April 1973.
Why is it called a zipper?
B.F. Goodrich named its 1923 Zipper Boots after the sound of the fastener.
When did the Sony Walkman come out?
1979, in Japan.
Are Velcro and hook and loop the same?
Yes: Velcro is the brand name of the hook-and-loop fastener invented by George de Mestral.
When were crayons invented?
Wax crayons existed earlier, but Crayola's first box of eight launched in 1903.
Why do we say clicker for a remote?
The 1956 Zenith Space Command made a click as small hammers struck metal rods to create ultrasonic signals.
What was the first instant camera?
The Polaroid Land Camera Model 95, sold from November 1948.
The Original General collection
Tees and hoodies in the Original General colors, printed to order in the USA. Use code VIP15 from the newsletter for 15% off your first order.
.jpg){kind=link}
Facts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 12, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.