The inventors of the iconic red plastic cup have now explained why the lines on the containers exist

The lines on red Solo cups have been the subject of various rumors, with speculations about their purpose ranging from helping with beer pong to indicating perfect spirit and mixer ratios. However, the manufacturer of Solo cups has addressed the mystery on its website.

According to Solo, when the cups were first launched in the 1970s, the original 18oz cups featured three lines that loosely corresponded to measurements of 1, 5, and 12 ounces of liquid. While some associated these lines with specific alcohol measures (1oz for liquor, 5oz for wine, and 12oz for beer), Solo clarifies that the lines don’t specifically relate to measures of alcohol.

The company emphasizes that the lines have different meanings for different people. For some, it signifies a responsible pour at a tailgate, while for others, it provides a more secure grip while manning the grill at a BBQ. For younger users, it means they can stack and unstack the cups into a pyramid without them sticking together.

In the modern version of Solo cups, the lines have been eliminated, but the cups still symbolize good times ahead. Whether you choose to measure your liquid by the lines or not, Solo emphasizes that the main thing is anticipating a good time.