A bizarre TikTok trend has guys dipping their balls in soy sauce to see if they can 'taste it.'
This odd trend is based on a misinterpretation of a 2013 study in the scientific journal PNAS. According to the study, testicles have taste receptors.
So, when a woman named Regan came across an article about this study, she challenged social media users to test its theory.
She said:
"Did ya'll know that if a dude puts his balls in something he can taste it? He can taste it!"
"I wish I was kidding. I wish I was. I'm not. If you have testicles, please dip your balls in something. It's for science, and I must know."
And TikTokers Were Eager to Lend their Balls to Science
One netizen, Alx James, shared a video of his experiment.
In his video, he explains he was inspired by a study that claims 'balls and anus can detect the amino acids inside soy sauce.'
He said:
"But I'm not gonna put it on my anus. I'm gonna let my little boys just try it out. I'm literally feeding my twins."
While sitting in his car with takeout grub, he applies some soy sauce on his testicles before laughing hysterically.
He then exclaims:
"Oh my God, I can taste the salt! That's ridiculous."
Needless to say, the James video racked up more than a million likes and over 10,000 comments from the peanut gallery.
One social media user said.
"When I was younger, I thought in 2020 we'd have flying cars but no. It's just guys dipping their junk in soy sauce."
While one sad TikToker added:
"I wish I had balls so I could try this."
James Wasn't the Only One to Try the Bizarre experiment, Though
Another user, Matthew Lush, also claims to taste something in his video.
He says:
"Everyone is saying you can taste soy sauce with your balls, so I'm gonna try it and see if I can f**king taste this."
"This better not ruin my Calvin Kleins I swear to God."
After applying the soy sauce, he starts to sense something. However, he isn't sure how to describe it.
He adds:
"I don't know if I am just imagining this. I literally don't know if I just smell it, and I taste it ... Wait. What the f**k?"
However, according to psychiatrist Dr. Kieran Kennedy, there's no evidence 'to back up any claims that men can actually taste things through their balls.'
He does, though, have an explanation for the salt guy thought they were tasting.
He explains:
"When you think about it, even if you imagine or anticipate tasting something salty (like chips) or sour (a lemon), then you'll notice your mouth water."
"These guys are probably getting a big whiff of soy sauce as they 'prepare.' This likely explains any 'taste' experience."
