
Latest Articles

Quiz: Can You Name All 50 U.S. States on a Blank Map?
Put your U.S. geography knowledge to the test and see how many states you can name!





Trick or Trivia Quiz Giveaway
Treat yourself to a new Halloween quiz every night and enter to be in the running.
Quizzes





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 Medium Who Wants You to Be Nicer to Ghosts
For Rebekah Carmichael, author of the book 'The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts,' ghosts aren't something to fear at all.
Why Marigolds Are Displayed During Día de los Muertos
These bright orange flowers are steeped in folklore and serve numerous purposes during this festive celebration of the dead.
Why Do Werewolves Transform During a Full Moon?
Werewolves have existed since ancient times, though the lore around them has changed quite a bit. Here's how full moons became connected to these famous shapeshifters.
Why Do Vampires Sleep in Coffins?
Where the monster folklore stems from.
Ancient Italian "Miracle Wheat" Found in Attic Could Help Farmers Withstand Drought
An Italian farmer named Claudio Grossi found a mysterious variety of wheat in his attic, and recognized it in a passage in the Bible. His discovery could help farmers build resilience against climate change.
The Artist Who Taught Bob Ross His Famous Painting Technique
Learn the story of William "Bill" Alexander, the German painter who pioneered the wet-on-wet technique and taught Bob Ross everything he knew.
The Bizarre TV Role That Almost Made Matthew Perry Pass on 'Friends’
Matthew Perry had already committed to a different TV series when 'Friends' was looking for an actor to play Chandler Bing.
20 Legendary Artists Who Never Had a No. 1 Hit
From Bob Dylan to Bob Marley, these iconic artists made songs everybody knows by heart that never hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
The 'Friends' Episode Matthew Perry Considered His Favorite
Discover why Matthew Perry called "The One With The Blackout" his favorite 'Friends' episode, and how being trapped in an ATM vestibule made him realize the show was a hit.
5 Spooky ‘90s Movies That Deserve a Rewatch This Halloween
Whether it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a first-time watch, these ‘90s favorites will transport you to Halloweens past.
The Spookiest Star Signs, Ranked By Horror Movie Villains
Discover which zodiac signs produce the most horror movie villains, from two-faced Geminis like Jason Voorhees to creepy Scorpios like Dracula.
6 Slang Phrases From Jane Austen's England We Still Use Today
These six slang phrases from Jane Austen's era are still part of our vocabulary.
The Personal Tragedy That Sent Theodore Roosevelt Into the Dakota Badlands
He lost two people he loved on the same day in 1884, and the Badlands were already waiting for him.
22 Beloved TV Shows That Were Canceled Far Too Soon
Each of these shows got the ax before it found its audience, but the audience eventually found it anyway,
50 Trick Questions That Will Make You Think Twice
Test your brain with 50 mind-bending trick questions with answers. See if you can spot the subtle logic traps and wordplay before getting stumped!
The Most Popular Cereal from the Year You Were Born
Take a sweet, crunchy, and nostalgic trip down memory lane with the best-selling cereal from your birth year.
5 Creepiest Baba Yaga Stories From Slavic Folklore
Think Baba Yaga is just a fairy tale witch? From magical doll massacres to 41 impaled heads, explore five of Slavic folklore’s most terrifying Baba Yaga stories.
12 of Theodore Roosevelt’s Favorite Books
Theodore Roosevelt swore there was no such thing as a list of the best books and yet never stopped telling people which ones he loved!
The Writing Habits That Helped Sylvia Plath Create Her Most Famous Work
Even with depression, divorce, and single parenthood, Sylvia Plath managed to continue her work with these strict writing habits.



































