r/ExplainLikeImCalvin

11K archived posts · Aug 2011 – Sep 2026

Explain Like I'm Calvin

In the spirit of /r/explainlikeimfive, here's a place to come up with the best explanation you can on topics you know nothing about. Inspired by Calvin's brilliant dad, who knew everything.

Created Aug 3, 2011

123KMembers (last snapshot)

11KArchived posts

In the spirit of /r/explainlikeimfive, here's a place to come up with the best explanation you can on topics you know nothing about. Inspired by Calvin's brilliant dad, who knew everything.

RULES (Inspired by ELI5):

Blatant speculation only. If you know the answer to a question, keep it to yourself! We only want the best and most creative wild guesses here. Even if you know the answer, make up something better.
Never cite sources. We're not looking for verifiable facts here. Your source should be your own crazy imagination.
Reference ELI5. Cross-posting good questions from /r/explainlikeimfive is encouraged, but if you do it, include a link back to the original question there (this will also help people who are interested in the "real" answers).

GUIDELINES:

Please begin your questions with "LIC" or "ELIC".
If you're posting a non-question, do not use "LIC" or "ELIC".
Answers can be as simple or complicated as you want, but aim for humor. The spirit of the subreddit is to have a humorous exchange of completely made-up answers to life's burning questions. Feel free to add to other people's answers, or to follow-up with more questions for clarification.
Humor is necessary, but don't be a jerk. Try to avoid especially touchy subjects in questions, or giving blatantly offensive answers.
Feel free to pose a possible answer with your own question if you have a good theory.
"It builds character" is a perfectly appropriate answer, but remember that original answers also build character.

RELATED SUBREDDITS

/r/explainlikeimfive

/r/calvinandhobbes

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