We’ve all been there... Everyone’s talking about doing something, and you have no idea how to do it. But there is the “how to” expert we all go to in our time of ignorant need – Uncle Google.
10 How to bat
Cricket? Searches for “how to bat” peaked in January 2015, and then again in November. January saw the West Indies playing a one-day international series in South Africa, but November? We’re stumped.
9 How to quickscope
Quickscope? In gaming terms this usually means aiming down the sights of a sniper rifle for a short period before firing. Let’s hope people wanted to use this for gaming.
8 How to prank
Obviously South Africans don’t have much in the way of imagination. This is where we insert: Please don’t try these at home.
7 How to paint
A wall? Like Picasso? This trend was popular throughout the year. The first result gives you a whole of figures you need to keep in mind. Looks too complex for a DIY job.
6 How to treat ...
This one is usually medical. This is so common that search trends can predict an epidemic - which led to the launch of Google Flu Trends in 2008, however it is no longer publishing estimates.
5 How to smoke
No guys, come on. Unless you’re trying to smoke tofu or fish that’s just not on. But if the warnings and graphic images on the cigarette packs still didn’t convince you not to try, the world wide web has various videos and step-by-step instructions.
4 How to kick
In martial arts or sport? Well, if it’s a ball ... Touch ball with foot. Try again until you have the perfect level of force.
3 How to e-wallet
Is that even a verb? According to South Africans, it is. FNB must be giving themselves a pat on the back for this. e-Wallet is a service that lets you send money via cellphone banking. But, if you don’t know how to use this service by now ... you do not belong to the 21st century.
2 How to apologise
Just do it. But Google has four steps that will get you into anyone’s good books again. Express remorse, Admit responsibility, Make amends and finally, promise it won’t happen again.
1 How to cast
A net? A role in a play? No. Google Cast is a technology that lets you send your favourite entertainment and apps from your phone, tablet or laptop to your TV or speakers.