1

The numbers behind it

Image: Melo Liu

One could say the White House is a home, but a more accurate description would be "small city." With 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and six levels, it accommodates everyone from the First Family to visiting dignitaries.

As if that wasn’t enough in terms of numbers, add 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, seven staircases, and three elevators, and you’ve got a place that’s as grand as it is functional. The only number left to wonder about is how many people it takes to clean it! With so much going on, it’s safe to say the White House is always buzzing.

2

From "President’s House" to "The White House"

Image: Saul Rodriguez

Did you know the White House wasn’t always called that? Over the years, it’s been referred to as the "President’s Palace," the "President’s House," and the "Executive Mansion."

But it wasn’t until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt made "The White House" the official name. The change reflected a more democratic image, distancing the building from European-style palaces.

3

6,000 visitors a day: A popular destination

Image: Saul Rodriguez

You have probably toured the White House at least once, haven’t you? Well, on any given day, the White House welcomes around 6,000 visitors.

From local and foreign tourists on a guided tour, diplomats, to school groups, the building sees a steady stream of guests. That’s a lot of handshakes, selfies, and security checks! More than power and politics, the charm of the White House lies in the national history it holds.

4

Presidential firsts: Planes, photos, and more

Image: Jainam Sheth

Every president brings something new to the White House, but some have achieved truly historic "firsts."

For example, John Tyler was the first to have his photograph taken. Theodore Roosevelt rode in the first presidential car and became the first president to travel abroad, to Panama. Franklin Roosevelt added air travel to the mix as the first president to fly.

You may be wondering who the first president to live there was, but we’ll cover that fact later in this article!

5

A kitchen built for a crowd

Image: Odiseo Castrejon

We may not know about the cleaning crew, but we do have some facts about the chefs!

There are five full-time chefs in the White House, so the kitchen is ready for any occasion. It can serve dinner to 140 guests or hors d’oeuvres to more than 1,000 people at a time. From state dinners to casual family meals, the kitchen staff handles it all with finesse. Five stars for them, please!

6

Painting the town (or the House) White

Image: Steve Johnson

Keeping the White House pristine is no small task: Can you guess how much paint it takes to cover it? Here’s the answer: It takes a whopping 570 gallons of paint to cover its iconic exterior. This monumental paint job ensures the building remains the picture of elegance and charm. Over the years, this white coat has become a symbol of the presidency itself. Who knew painting could carry so much historical weight? Fun fact: ours is not the only presidential home with a trademark color!

7

Fun and games at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Image: Jay Wennington

When you think of the Executive Mansion, you probably picture people in suits going from one point to another, solving national and international matters, right? Well, that may be true, but the White House isn’t all business; there are some recreational rooms, too.

Residents (which range from the presidential family to diplomats to staff) enjoy a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, billiard room, and even a bowling lane. Talk about a house with some serious amenities, huh?

8

George Washington never slept here

Image: Kenny Eliason

While George Washington oversaw the creation of the White House, he never got to live in it. The mansion wasn’t completed until 1800, a year after Washington’s death.

So, to answer the question from the "presidential firsts" section, John Adams became the first president to move in, and it’s been the home of every president since. Washington’s influence is still felt, but don’t expect to see his ghost wandering the halls.

9

The White House has survived two fires

Image: Cullan Smith

Well, the title pretty much covers it, right? The White House has faced fire twice in its history.

In 1814, British forces burned it during the War of 1812, though some exterior walls and the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington were saved. Then, on Christmas Eve in 1929, a chimney flue sparked a blaze that gutted parts of the West Wing. President Herbert Hoover even directed firefighting efforts during the chaos. Now, this is proof of its true Americanness: It only came back stronger and taller!

10

Teddy Roosevelt built the West Wing

Image: Srikanta H. U

Teddy Roosevelt is the man behind the West Wing. In 1902, he expanded the White House by adding this now-famous section to house presidential offices.

The project replaced some old conservatories and introduced the colonnaded gallery that connects it to the main residence. Later presidents, like Taft and Franklin Roosevelt, expanded the West Wing further, but it all started with Teddy’s vision. Today, the West Wing is the spinal cord of the presidency as it holds the Oval Office.

1

Fast food chains

The U.S. pioneered large-scale fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s, especially after World War II. These restaurants focused on speed, consistency, and low prices .

Their standardized menus and assembly-line kitchens made quick meals widely accessible. The model spread globally, shaping modern eating habits.

2

Drive-Thru restaurants

The drive-thru concept took off in the U.S. in the 1940s, with chains like In-N-Out and later McDonald’s making it national. It allowed diners to order food without leaving their cars .

This idea dovetailed perfectly with a growing car culture and suburban life in the aftermath of WWII. Today, drive-thrus are common worldwide, but their roots lie in mid-century America.

3

Credit cards

While earlier charge systems existed, modern credit cards became widely used in the U.S. in the 1950s with Diners Club and BankAmericard (later Visa).

They allowed consumers to buy now and pay later , transforming spending habits. This system became a global standard, making everyday purchases faster and more flexible.

4

Online shopping

Modern online shopping began in the U.S. during the 1990s, with now-ubiquitous companies like Amazon leading the way. Consumers could browse and buy products without visiting a store .

This shifted retail forever, offering convenience, home delivery, and endless variety. Today’s global e-commerce industry grew from these early American platforms.

5

Self-service gas stations

Self-service gas stations became popular in the U.S. in the 1960s and 70s, allowing drivers to pump their own fuel instead of relying on attendants .

This reduced costs and sped up service, appealing to busy motorists. Over time, it became the standard in most parts of the world.

6

Supermarkets with one-stop shopping

The first true supermarkets appeared in the U.S. in the 1930s, offering a wide range of goods, from fresh meat and produce to dry goods to cleaning and personal care products, under one roof . King Kullen in New York is often cited as an early example of this.

These mega-stores replaced smaller specialty shops and made grocery shopping easier. The concept became a global standard for food retail.

7

Shopping malls

Indoor shopping malls emerged in the U.S. in the mid-20th century, designed as climate-controlled spaces with multiple stores in one location , beginning with Southdale Center, which opened in Edina, Minnesota, in 1956.

They became social hubs as well as retail centers. The mall concept spread worldwide, especially in suburban areas.

8

Frozen TV dinners

TV dinners were introduced in the U.S. in the 1950s, notably by Swanson. These frozen meals were designed to be heated quickly and eaten while watching television, hence the term "TV dinner."

They reflected changing lifestyles in which convenience and entertainment overlapped. Frozen meals later became a global staple, especially with the advent of microwave ovens, which became increasingly popular in the 1970s and 80s.

9

Automatic dishwashers

Dishwashers existed earlier, but automatic home models became widely adopted in the U.S. during the mid-20th century, making their way into American homes in the 1950s and 60s.

They saved time and reduced household labor, especially in busy families . Today, they are a common appliance in many parts of the world.

10

Sink garbage disposals

The garbage disposal system was invented in the U.S. in the 1920s and became popular in American homes after World War II. It grinds food waste directly in the sink .

This innovation simplified kitchen cleanup and reduced trash volume. It remains especially common in U.S. households.

11

Vending machines

Modern vending machines became widespread in the U.S. during the 1950s and 60s, offering snacks and beverages in public places.

They provided quick, unattended service at any hour . While now global, their large-scale use and variety were strongly shaped by American consumer culture.

12

Ride-sharing apps

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft began in the late 2000s, using smartphones to connect passengers with drivers instantly .

They transformed urban transportation, offering flexible alternatives to taxis. This model has since expanded to cities around the world.

1

Philadelphia: Jawn

Meaning: used as a placeholder for a noun.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Philly, be aware that the word jawn can and will be used in every sentence, no matter if the jawn in question is a thing, person, event, or place. If it’s a noun, it can be jawn’ed.

2

New England: Grinder

Meaning: a sub sandwich.

Subs must be one of the most widely known American sandwiches, and rightfully so. Its possibilities when it comes to fillings are seemingly endless, no matter your personal tastes. But you must consider that not every sub is called a sub. If you are passing through New England and fancy a sandwich, looking for a grinder will get you there quicker.

3

Midwest: Schnockered/ Schnookered

Meaning: Schnockered: wasted/ Schnookered: scammed

Is there a connection between excessive alcohol consumption and being easy to deceive? Midwesterners apparently think so, because they use very similar terms for both situations. We tend to agree; nothing good can come from doing business while under the influence.

4

New York: Schlep

Meaning: a difficult task, to carry something with difficulty.

As far as hectic places go, New York seems to be leading the rankings. No wonder they have a dedicated slang repertoire for difficult situations. If you are planning on visiting the Big Apple, take it easy; you will most likely encounter a schlep.

5

Florida: No-see-ums

Meaning: tiny biting midges.

Ah, Florida! The land of cruises, alligators, and invisible attacking bugs. These welcoming critters are known for attacking at dawn and leaving itchy marks that will sting for days. They go by the government name of Ceratopogonidae, but the no-see-ums nickname seems more accurate.

6

Boston: Regular

Meaning: coffee with cream and sugar.

Forget about americanos, lattes, and espressos, a regular is the Boston way to go. Associated with a popular Dunkin’ order, it will come already creamed and sugared. Not advisable for diabetics and lactose intolerants.

7

Puerto Rico: A mi, plín!

Meaning: I don’t care.

Puerto Rican slang can be hard to decipher even if you speak some Spanish, but this makes it even more unique. This phrase —literally translated as ‘to me, plin’— is commonly used to express that something or someone is of no concern to you. What is a ‘plin’? We don’t really know, but to us, plin!

8

Pacific Northwest: The mountain is out

Meaning: there is good weather

Mount Rainier is one of the icons of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, even though the stormy weather can often make it difficult to admire. On the days when the sky is clear and cloudless, this natural wonder "is out" and can be seen in its entirety. For the locals, the mountain being out has become synonymous with lovely weather and sunny skies.

9

Texas: Fixin’ to

Meaning: about to.

We are including this phrase as Texan slang, but you might hear it from Southerners of other states. What do they use it for? Not to talk about repairs, but to say they are about to do something or getting ready for something. Important: do not confuse it with ‘fixins’, a way to refer to side dishes or condiments.

10

Alaska: Sourdough

Meaning: a long-time resident.

Alaska is filled with natural wonders, but it has always been a tough place to live in, especially during the time of the pioneers. These brave people relied on a few food sources, one of them being sourdough starter to make bread and biscuits. In time, seasoned Alaskans came to be referred to as ‘sourdough’, as a way of honoring their resilience and love for the territory. Opposite to a ‘sourdough’, you can find a ‘cheechako’ or newcomer.

11

Utah: RM

Meaning: someone who returned from their missionary service.

Utah is known for many things, one of them being its high number of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members (commonly known as Mormons). Many members of the Church choose to serve as missionaries, an activity that can take them to a different state or even a different country for up to two years. Once they come back, they might be referred to as RM, or ‘returned missionary’.

12

Hawaii: Da kine

Meaning: placeholder for something.

If you are in Hawaii, you might notice locals using this phrase to refer to various things, similar to how other English speakers use ‘whatsit’ as a placeholder. A common phrase in Hawaiian Pidgin, ‘da kine’ can be used for objects, people, places, ideas, and much more.