
Latest Articles

What Do Biblically Accurate Angels Actually Look Like?
From the seraphim and cherubim to Archangel Michael and the famous many-eyed wheels, angels take many forms—and many names—in the Bible.Quizzes





Weekly Spotlight
History





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

Why Do We Say "Pie in the Sky"?
The phrase “pie in the sky” has a surprisingly dark history. Learn how labor activist Joe Hill coined the expression in a song in 1911.
The Queen Song Brian May Wrote About Losing His Childhood Cat
The Queen guitarist called the feline who inspired "All Dead, All Dead" the "closest" thing he had to a sibling.
Alfred Hitchcock's Favorite Hitchcock Movie Is an Eerie 1940s Psychological Thriller
'Shadow of a Doubt' explores the evil that can lurk under illusions of normality and civility. At one point, Alfred Hitchcock claimed to have loved it best out of all his films.
See the States With the Best—And the Worst—Early Education Systems, Mapped
Children’s learning journey starts before kindergarten, and in some states, they receive more resources and opportunities than in others.
9 Songs You May Not Know Roy Orbison Wrote
Roy Orbison wrote songs for and with his friends Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly, among other artists.
Sharon Tate’s Last Words Were Tragically Maternal
Discover the heartbreaking story behind Sharon Tate's final words, as court transcripts revealed her desperate plea for her unborn son.
9 Vintage Photos of Sharon Tate That Capture the Glamour of the 1960s
These iconic moments and candid portraits preserve a glimpse of Sharon Tate’s life, style and the lavish world of 1960s Hollywood.
10 Things I Packed for My Europe Trip That You’ll Want to Pack Too
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, these are the 10 items you’ll be very glad you slipped into your luggage.
Why Ancient Romans Feared the Number 17
In Italy, the number 17 isn’t just unlucky—it’s associated with death. Here is why the superstition traces back to ancient Roman anagrams and lost legions.
QUIZ: Can You Match the European City to its Capital Without Hesitating?
Think you know Europe? Prove it by matching each city to its capital without second-guessing.
8 Household Items Every Family Had in the Early 2000s
Millennials will remember these items that seemed essential to their family homes.
Why Are Basketballs Orange?
Why are basketballs orange? Learn how the familiar color came about and why it replaced the dark brown balls once used in the sport.
The Books That Inspired Bruce Springsteen’s Songwriting
From 'Wizard of Oz' to Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, Bruce Springsteen's taste in literature and non-fiction has shaped his work.
Quiz: Can You Name the ’90s Comedy From the Parents?
Some movie parents of the '90s stand out, while others blend into the background. Can you name the '90s comedy just from the names of the parents?
The Best August Trivia Questions for the Dog Days of Summer
Test your knowledge with the best August trivia questions! Discover fun facts about history, science, and late-summer pop culture.
7 Common Misconceptions About the Manson Family Murders
Charles Manson may not have been the clinically insane person or criminal mastermind you may think he was. Here are seven things people get wrong about Manson, his Family, and the Tate-LaBianca murders.
The Ancient Greek Text That Sparked the Mystery of the Lost City of Atlantis
Was Plato on to something, or is the lost city just that?
The Origins of 5 Soccer Terms You Might Hear on ‘Ted Lasso’
Your guide to English terms as you watch the new season of ‘Ted Lasso.’
The Surprising Historical Job Of Waking People Up Before Alarm Clocks Existed
They were called “knocker uppers.”































