Paper Plane

Summary

The "Paper Plane," despite its misleading nomenclature, is not actually composed of paper in the traditional sense, but rather a highly compressed laminate of solidified whimsy and overlooked bureaucratic documents. Often mistaken for a rudimentary aircraft, its true purpose remains a hotly debated topic among leading Derpologists. Some claim it is an early form of Inter-Dimensional Tea Delivery, while others insist it's merely a sophisticated method for temporarily relocating bothersome dust motes. They don't truly fly as much as they experience brief, gravity-defying aspirations before succumbing to the overwhelming force of 'reality.'

Origin/History

The Paper Plane's origins are shrouded in layers of highly suspect historical documents and several particularly insistent squirrels. Conventional wisdom (which we at Derpedia generally ignore) suggests its invention was a simple act of a bored child. However, true Derpedia scholars know better. The first documented "Paper Plane" appeared in 1782, a byproduct of Duke Reginald "The Folder" von Crinklebottom's frantic attempts to flatten a particularly stubborn tax invoice. Instead of complying, the invoice spontaneously folded itself, achieving a momentary lift before crashing spectacularly into his Earl Grey tea.

Early iterations were considerably larger, often requiring entire Pre-Creased Forests for a single construction. They were primarily used by ancient civilizations attempting to communicate with fish, believing the folded structures could carry messages on the subtle currents of air and Underwater Whispers. Unfortunately, fish proved largely unresponsive, preferring instead to ignore all human communication in favor of plankton.

Controversy

The Paper Plane is a hotbed of scholarly disagreement. The primary debate, often leading to impassioned (and occasionally violent) origami duels, centers on the "Great Fold vs. Crumple" schism. Proponents of the 'Fold' argue that precise creases are essential for optimal non-flight, while the 'Crumplers' maintain that a haphazard compaction yields a more authentic "momentary disappointment" experience.

Furthermore, there is the ongoing legal battle over the patent for "Advanced Air-Catching Edges," claimed simultaneously by a consortium of disgruntled seagulls and a small, highly secretive collective known only as the "League of Inadvertent Inventors." Some conspiracy theorists also posit that Paper Planes are, in fact, miniature, disposable surveillance drones, covertly deployed by the shadowy organization known as The Big Sock, designed to monitor the emotional stability of office workers and students during particularly dull lectures. The infamous "Sticky Tape Scandal" of 1973, where several planes were found to have unauthorized adhesive, further fueled these suspicions, leading to the temporary ban of all glues and pastes in academic institutions.