
Latest Articles

The Defining Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon of Every Decade
Trace the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade decade by decade through its most legendary character balloons, from 1927 to today.Thanksgiving
Quizzes





History
Weekly Spotlight

The Mental Floss Newsletter
A little smarter, a little weirder, and way more fun than the average email.
Entertainment
Geography
Reader Favorites
More Stories

The Surprising Daily Routine Jane Austen Followed While Writing Her Novels
Jane Austen never had a room of her own. Instead, she completed all of her published works in the middle of her family's bustling sitting room in their Chawton cottage.
20 Surprising Facts About ‘Bridgerton’
Netflix’s period hit ‘Bridgerton’ has taken the world by storm. Learn about the series while you wait for season 5.
Why Veterans Day Was Originally Called Armistice Day
The name and the meaning of Veterans Day have changed throughout history to include all those who have served in the military.
The Best Cities in the U.S. For Veterans, Mapped
Discover the best and worst cities for veterans in the U.S. in 2026, based on job opportunities, healthcare, and more.
Why ‘Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch Was Originally a Different Color
The beloved children’s show turns 57 on November 10. Learn this behind-the-scenes story about Oscar the Grouch from ‘Sesame Street.’
Why Are Creepy Things Called 'Uncanny Valley'?
It might look almost human, but something about it just feels eerie.
20 One-Hit Wonders From the 1970s You Still Know Every Word To
Warning: These songs will be stuck in your head for at least a week. These 20 one-hit wonders from the ‘70s are still great.
Why Americans Eat Dinner So Much Earlier Than the Rest of the World
Culture and schedule differences make the U.S. unique in when dinner takes place.
What Readers Thought of 'Dracula' When It Was Published in 1897
'We would not, however, recommend it to nervous persons for evening reading.'
100 Funny Jokes for Kids That Will Make the Whole Family Laugh
From animal jokes to knock-knock classics you can't resist, these G-rated giggles are sure to entertain your whole family!
What Does “Diwali” Mean—and Why Is It Also Called Deepavali?
This Hindu holiday is celebrated in many different ways, but it always revolves around one theme: the victory of light over darkness.
Why Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula' Almost Had a Very Different Name
The novel had a different title until the last few weeks before publication, but nobody knows for sure who renamed it.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated on Different Dates Every Year?
It all comes down to the calendar it follows. Learn more about the five-day celebration of Diwali.
Quiz: Can You Name the Joni Mitchell Song From One Lyric?
Can you name the Joni Mitchell track from one lyric? Prove your music knowledge with these eight questions.
25 Biggest Stars of the 2000s: Where Are They Now?
They made headlines, topped the charts, and took over the big screen two decades ago, but what are these icons up to in 2026?
50 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions to Put Your Holiday IQ to the Test
How much do you really know about the food, festivals, and facts of Thanksgiving?
Quiz: Can You Name the ‘70s Movie From the Love Interest?
From ‘The Godfather’ to ‘Carrie,’ how well do you know these characters from 1970s movies?
20 Outdated Things Millennials Still Love
From flip phones to emo anthems, these nostalgic favorites never go out of style, even if millennials are busy adulting now.
The Surprising Story Behind Simon & Garfunkel's First No. 1 Hit
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's first megahit, "The Sound of Silence," nearly didn't make a major impact at all.








































