If you're a keen runner you've no doubt heard of ASICS, a sports brand known for its comfort, durability, and stability – but many are just starting to realise they don't know what the name actually stands for.
The sports and activewear brand is well known for both shoes and activewear and was first established in 1949 by founder Kihachiro Onitsuka in Japan – although at that point it was called Onitsuka Shokai.
Although many don't realise it, ASICS isn't a word in itself, it's an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, which means "a sound mind in a sound body", a quote from Roman satirist Juvenal.
After finding out the news, one person on Twitter shared: "I was today years old when I found out ASICS is an acronym for the Latin expression Anima Sana In Corpore Sano."
Another said: "I've literally just found out that ASICS stands for Anima Sana In Corpore Sano! I totally need to work on getting a corpus sanum."
The brand changed its name to ASICS in 1977, after the founder received business advice from his friend Kohei Hori, who was the Director of Health and Physical Education at the Hyogo Prefecture Board of Education.
The name was changed because the company wanted people around the world to live healthful, happy lives both physically and mentally.
On the website, the brand explains: "We've always believed in the positive benefits of movement on the body, and the mind. It's why we're called ASICS. Anima Sana In Corpore Sano or a Sound Mind in a Sound Body.
"Our founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka recognised that sport had the power to uplift people's minds in post-war Japan. And so, he dedicated his life, and our company, to helping both individuals and societies improve their well-being through sport. More than 70 years on, we still believe this."
And if you weren't sure how to pronounce the brand, it's actually pretty easy. ASICS is pronounced just like the word basic, without the b, and then an s at the end.
ASICS definitely isn't the only brand name confusing people. People have only just realised that tea brand PG Tips actually stands for Pre-Gestee – a variant of their original name Digestive Tea, which implied it could be used as a digestive aid.
Shoppers were also shocked to learn that ASOS actually stands for As Seen On Screen.
Did you know what ASOS stands for? Let us know in the comment section below.
