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Can you walk and chew gum at the same time?

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auntblabby
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17 Aug 2010, 11:06 pm

Willard wrote:
The phrase 'can't walk and chew gum at the same time' is an old slang expression, indicating someone who is extremely stupid.

I don't think it was ever intended to describe anything that was an actual feat of coordination, as it represents something so simple even an idiot can do it without conscious effort.


that was needlessly mean. there ARE folk who have trouble with this task, including myself, who has always been clumsier than average. because i am a mouthbreather [chronic sinus troubles] i often find that chewing on something while walking IS a challenge.



ToughDiamond
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18 Aug 2010, 5:51 am

Yes I can walk and chew gum at the same time. Both activities are very well-learned so there's no need for conscious control. I can even hold an intelligible conversation while walking and chewing gum, as long as the terrain is reasonably uncluttered - otherwise I have to blank out the talking so I don't get run over or swallow the gum.

If you're looking for an example of multi-tasking, walking and chewing gum isn't the best one. You'd have to look for stuff that needs conscious thought.