Tarrare
publication date: Thursday, November 5, 2020 (part of Fall 2020)
category: 
Controversy
clue: Long before today's professional competitive eaters, this Frenchman made a freak-show living eating anything and everything, and briefly tried serving in the military as a courier by using his stomach.
explanation: Tarrare was an 18th-century Frenchman remembered for his insatiable appetite and willingness to eat solid objects. He served in the French military and briefly tried conveying classified documents via his stomach. more…
intended difficulty: easy
solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Denise Sawicki, and Erik Bates
Similar Goos
Scot Halpin
For one night in 1973, this fan lived a rock & roll dream come true when he got to play almost a whole show with the band, even though if you mentioned him to most rock historians today, they'd ask, "Who?" Go »
Slobodan Milošević
Slobodan didn't get to be President by hating Albanians... Wait, yes he did. Go »
Elián González
He literally became the poster boy for Cuban political refugees. Go »
Lee Harvey Oswald
It's too bad this sharpshooter with three first names didn't live to hear the Dead Kennedys. Go »
Joe Jackson
He was a controversial player, but not for swinging Black Betsy without wearing proper footwear. Go »
