Insect research at Denver University has determined that a common saying is incorrect and that there is no such thing as being "as snug as a bug in a rug." The phrase, which is generally taken to mean tucked in tight and toasty warm is not true, according to Dr. Sam Whitemeal.
"First, one must look at the average rug. A rug is a smaller piece, generally not covering a full room like a carpet. A rug is also usually not shag, so is not thick and full; it is often flat with a pattern. Rugs are also located on a floor and, unlike carpet, do not have installed padding underneath."
"This means that rugs have a lesser layer of insulation between them and the floor than carpeting. Since everyone knows that warm air rises and that it is colder on or next to the floor, this means that a rug will be cooler than a carpet and much cooler anything at a higher level in the room."
"Now, when we compare the size of the bug to the size of the rug, it is obvious that the rug will always be many hundreds of times larger. The word snug implies being tucked in or tight, an an insect sitting on a large surface is neither tucked in or tight. It is exposed and uncovered."
"Ergo, a bug in a rug is not snug."
"It might be able to be snug in shag carpet if the bug was small enough and was able to roll up within some of the fibers, but shag carpet and a rug are two different things."
The University announced that it is also seeking funds to prove that people cannot be "like two peas in a pod" and that little girls are really not made of "sugar and spice and everything nice."
