Friends’ heated debate leaves TikTok confused: ‘This made my brain hurt’

·2 min read

Two bros argued over the difference between an ounce and a fluid ounce — and it was very heated. 

TikToker John Finke went viral when he posted a spicy (but goofy) conversation with his friend. His buddy could not wrap his head around the idea of an ounce and a fluid ounce being two different units of measurement. 

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“One fluid ounce always weighs one ounce,” the friend insisted. “The amount of fluid is variable.” 

“A fluid ounce is a volume, not a weight,” Finke explained.

“An ounce is a weight! Always has been, always will be,” the friend exclaimed.

“But not a fluid ounce. A fluid ounce is a volume!” Finke shouted, clapping his hands for emphasis. “It’s a f****** volume, bro! If I have one fluid ounce of liquid mercury or one fluid ounce of water, which one weighs more?!” 

His friend still did not get it. He insisted that it would be the same amount.

“No! No! No! No! No!” Finke yelled, jumping up and down. 

The video eventually cut off with his friend still totally confused. TikTok appreciated the debate, and the video racked up 2.9 million views.


“The jumping ‘no no no no no’ is the most relatable thing I’ve ever seen,” one person commented

“This made my brain hurt, lol,” someone joked

“As a chemistry teacher, this enraged me,” a user said.

Well, it turns out Finke was correct. An ounce (.oz) measures weight, while a fluid ounce (fl. oz) measures volume. The Kitchn provides the example of one cup of tomato sauce and one cup of flour. They both take up the same volume of 8 fluid ounces, but the flour weighs 4 ounces, compared to the tomato sauce, which weighs 7.9 ounces. This is because weight relates to density, whereas volume relates to the amount of space taken up. 

There is one exception, however: 8 fluid ounces of water happens to weigh 8 ounces!

Here are 10 items to help you make healthier choices, starting in the kitchen:



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