It sounds impossible until you see the photos. A man from the United States has officially entered the record books after Guinness World Records measured his tongue at **8.88 cm (3.49 inches) wide**—making it not only the widest on the planet but even **wider than the iPhone 14 Pro Max**. The surreal measurement, confirmed at a Guinness-certified event in California, has now gone viral worldwide. Guinness World Records said the achievement stunned even their veteran adjudicators.
The man, identified in Guinness listings as Brian Thompson, had long been told his tongue looked “huge,” but no one guessed it was wide enough to outmatch one of Apple’s most popular devices. For reference, the iPhone 14 Pro Max measures just over 3.25 inches across—meaning Thompson’s tongue is roughly a quarter of an inch wider. Guinness coverage highlighted the comparison to give people an everyday object to imagine.
“World’s widest tongue just broke the record at 8.88 cm. Yes, that’s wider than your iPhone Pro Max.”— @GuinnessWorldRec
Thompson’s tongue was measured using precise calipers and photographed under Guinness’ strict verification guidelines. Witnesses described gasps and laughter as the tape stretched across his mouth. “When I saw the final number, I couldn’t believe it,” Thompson said in an interview with BBC News. “I never thought my tongue would be compared to a phone, but now I can’t go anywhere without people asking me to stick it out.”
On social media, the record exploded. Thousands of users posted side-by-side images of an iPhone and a tongue, joking about “upgrading to Tongue 14 Pro Max.” Memes spread quickly on X, Instagram, and TikTok. The Daily Mail noted the record became one of the most shared Guinness announcements of the year, trending alongside major political stories.
“This guy has a tongue wider than my phone. My self-esteem will never recover.”— @MemeUpdate
While the story makes people laugh, Thompson’s journey to the record isn’t just novelty. He admitted to CNN that having such an unusually wide tongue came with real challenges. As a child, he struggled with pronunciation and occasionally drooled when trying to speak quickly. Teachers noticed but chalked it up to quirks. In adulthood, he embraced it as part of who he was—until friends convinced him to apply for Guinness certification. “I realized something I thought was awkward could actually be extraordinary,” he said.
The measurement process itself was meticulous. Guinness requires tongues to be measured at their widest natural extension, flattened gently against a surface. Three measurements are taken to ensure accuracy. The official certificate was presented in front of witnesses at a special ceremony in La Cañada. The Independent described how Thompson’s family erupted in cheers when the judge confirmed the new world record.
What makes the achievement striking is how it humanizes the bizarre side of Guinness World Records. For decades, the book has showcased human extremes—from the longest fingernails to the largest hands. Thompson’s tongue now joins this gallery of curiosities, sparking both fascination and incredulity. Social scientists told The Washington Post that such records capture attention because they connect human oddities with everyday benchmarks—in this case, a phone everyone recognizes.
“Guinness isn’t about freaks—it’s about celebrating uniqueness. Brian Thompson just proved that.”— @RecordHistory
The response from the Guinness community has been overwhelmingly positive. Heather Wilson, co-CEO of Guinness World Records, told Fox News that Thompson’s entry “resonated globally because it blends humor, shock, and relatability.” She added that Guinness takes pride in records that surprise and delight while encouraging people to embrace differences.
For Thompson, the recognition has been life-changing. He has been invited onto talk shows, podcasts, and even comedy stages where hosts beg him to “prove it live.” While he jokes about being a novelty act, he also takes pride in inspiring kids who feel different. “If you think something about you is weird,” he told The New York Times, “remember it might just make you one of a kind.”
Medical experts interviewed by Science Alert suggested his tongue width likely results from a combination of genetics and muscle structure, not a medical condition. They noted that while it may cause some speech quirks, it doesn’t present health risks. In fact, Thompson has leaned into fitness, showing off tongue-press workouts as a joke on Instagram.
The world’s largest tongue title has shifted several times over the years, but none captured the public imagination like Thompson’s because of the iPhone comparison. “When Guinness made that side-by-side,” said one commentator on Business Insider, “they turned an odd statistic into a cultural moment.” It’s already spawned merchandise—shirts that read “Wider Than an iPhone” are being sold online.
As of now, Thompson’s 8.88 cm measurement stands unchallenged. But Guinness records are often temporary. Somewhere, another contender may be waiting. For now, though, Thompson holds the crown—and the world can’t stop talking about it, literally and figuratively. His advice to others chasing unusual records: “Stick your tongue out at the world, and see what happens.”
LEAVE US A COMMENT
Comments
comments