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Why We Call Unwanted Email “Spam”
The name doesn’t come from the canned meat, but a ‘Monty Python’ sketch about the canned meat.




Trivia of the Day

Trivia of the Day for August 22, 2026: Only a Trivia Expert Can Go 25 for 25
Even your weekend brain needs some exercising. See if you can get all 25 of these trivia questions correct.Quizzes





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5 Military Terms That Became Everyday Expressions
From AWOL to snapshot, explore five common everyday words and phrases that actually originated as military slang and wartime terminology.
The Unlikely Man and the Handwritten Letter That Saved the 19th Amendment
106 years ago, the fate of 17 million women rested in the hands of a man wearing a red rose and carrying a very important letter in his pocket.
7 Victorian Phrases You Still Use Without Realizing It
From "paint the town red" to "mad as a hatter," many of our favorite idioms originated or were popularized in the era of Queen Victoria.
The Real House That Inspired the Iconic Manderley in 'Rebecca'
The home that terrified and enamored its occupants in Daphne du Maurier's 'Rebecca' was based on real-life houses in the English countryside.
Trivia of the Day for August 18, 2026: Can You Get All 25 Right?
Test your knowledge with Mental Floss’s Trivia of the Day for August 18. How well do you know this day in history? How about general knowledge questions?
The 7 Best Greek Mythology Movies, According to Rotten Tomatoes
Find out which Greek mythology movies earned the highest Tomatometer ratings, from 'Orpheus' and 'Hercules' to Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey.'
One of Robert De Niro's Most Famous Movie Lines Was Improvised
Paul Schrader’s 'Taxi Driver' script didn't include "You talkin' to me?" Here is how Robert De Niro came up with one of cinema's most famous lines.
Robin Williams' Favorite (and Least Favorite) Robin Williams Films
One film he considered a “gift,” while another felt “weird” to watch.
4 Misconceptions About Davy Crockett That Have Persisted for Generations
Here are four misconceptions about the legendary frontier hero you may know as Davy Crockett, from his actual name to whether he died fighting at the Alamo.
The 10 Highest-Paid American Mayors, Ranked
From big populations to small, the biggest salaries for mayors across the country might surprise you.
Why Owls Were Once Considered Omens of Doom
Though often associated with wisdom, owls also bring danger and darkness.
5 Misconceptions About Roman Gladiators
Not everything you see in movies and TV shows about gladiators are true. We debunk five misconceptions here.
Trivia of the Day for August 17, 2026: 25 Questions, No Googling Allowed
Consider yourself a trivia whiz? Start your day with these questions—and answers—covering general knowledge and this day in history.
The Most Popular Soda in Every State (The #1 Ranked Should Be No Surprise)
These are the most popular sodas in every state of the country. See if you agree with your state’s favorite.
Quiz: Can You Match the ‘Song of Ice and Fire’ Character to Their Surname?
Test your knowledge of the 'Game of Thrones' universe with this quiz and see how many characters you can match to their surnames.
The Food That First Made Anthony Bourdain Want to Become a Chef
Discover the specific food Anthony Bourdain ate on a trip to France that ignited his lifelong obsession with food and cooking.
50 Riddles With Answers for a Serious Mental Workout
Give your brain something to puzzle over with these 50 tricky riddles with answers provided.
The Gangster Who Taught Al Capone Everything
Before Al Capone became America's most notorious gangster, he absorbed the lessons of one ruthless mentor.
Every Country's Favorite Coffee Drink, Mapped
From mochas to espresso, every country has their preferences when it comes to a cup of joe.






























