Chances are you may just presume that any piece of underwear with a thin back that is designed to be pulled up, in-between the cheeks of the wearer's bottom is automatically a g-string. Many people think of things in those terms. But this is no more correct than lumping slacks in with jeans just because they both have a similar function.

Not so long ago, I was one of the misinformed. These days, I beg to differ with that definition. If you too have an interest in silly bits of knowledge or would perhaps like to kill at trivia one day, then by all means, read on.

This general style of underwear is a distant cousin of that early form of next-to-nothing wear known as the loincloth. My, how things have evolved since then. Not that I would knock a good loincloth if that's your pleasure, but it would be difficult to get one to fit underneath a pair of jeans.

For modern day underwear, the distinction between a g-string, a v-string, and a t-string lies in the same area that gives them their unique appeal and ability to dazzle - the rear. It's all about the string that connects the front fabric to the waistband in the back. Yup, the least seen area of it has the most impact on which specific garment it is.

A g-string is characterized by the string literally being a "string" of fabric. No variations in width. Just a string. This can actually be one of the more comfortable styles as the string is so thin that it's very easy not to notice it's even there.

A v-string is characterized by the string separating in the back, just before it connects to the waist. It splits to form two strings, which results in a piece of fabric that resembles the letter "V." This "V" area rests right above the wearer's bottom.

The t-string or thong, as it's commonly known, can fall into the category of g-string or v-string, but the reverse doesn't always hold true. A thong can have a string of varying sizes. The smallest of them are classified as g-strings or v-strings, depending on design. The larger, are just thongs. Some people find thongs with a wider bit of fabric in the back to be uncomfortable. Until you're used to it, this style does hold the biggest risk of simulating the effect of a wedgie. So, if you shy away from thongs based on an experience with one of these, you may want to try a thinner string before you write the entire style of underwear off entirely.

Studies have been conducted on American thong wearing habits. Yes, I'm serious. Studies about thongs. Those whacky statisticians. 28 percent of women prefer wearing thongs to any other kind of underwear. Over 4 percent of men also prefer wearing thongs, and when queried about whether they wear one occasionally, that number jumps to 20 percent. This translates into tens of millions of people who really love their thong underwear. Whether you're already one of the converted, or you are just thinking of buying your first pair, now you know exactly what you're looking at, and what defines them as such. Which is the first step in making the right choice for you.