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16 Hockey Slang Terms You Should Know

You might be spitting chiclets if you do too much chirping. That sentence will make a whole lot more sense after you learn about hockey slang.
Keith Johnston|May 19, 2022

The Dark Theories Behind the “London Bridge Is Falling Down” Nursery Rhyme

There are a handful of dark theories about the rhyme’s inspiration—ranging from a Viking invasion to human sacrifice—but we’ll cross that bridge when get to it. First up, let’s break down the known history of the tune.
Lorna Wallace|Apr 12, 2024

The True Origins of “The Muffin Man” Nursery Rhyme

Was the "Muffin Man" nursery rhyme created to warn people about a serial killer? We investigate its alleged dark origins.
Lorna Wallace|Mar 20, 2024

“Itsy Bitsy Spider”: The History of the Classic Nursery Rhyme

Early versions of the rhyme included the words ‘bloody’ and ‘blooming’—and sometimes didn’t feature a spider at all.
Jane Alexander|Apr 10, 2024

The Unexpected History of the ‘Little Jack Horner’ Nursery Rhyme

Like most nursery rhymes, rumors have long swirled about its allegedly dark origin story—one that’s said to involve Henry VIII and bribery.
Lorna Wallace|Apr 19, 2024

“Frère Jacques”: The History of the Classic Nursery Rhyme

This simple nursery rhyme comes with a number of unanswered questions about everything from its authorship to who inspired it.
Jane Alexander|May 13, 2024

The Possibly Royal Origins of the ‘Jack Sprat’ Nursery Rhyme

Although “Jack Sprat” may not be in the nursery rhyme limelight, the two theories behind its meaning—both of which involve royalty—are just as interesting as the origins of better-known rhymes.
Lorna Wallace|Jul 1, 2024

‘Pop! Goes the Weasel’: The Real Meaning Behind the Nursery Rhyme

You may think you know the words to “Pop! Goes the Weasel.” The tune is everywhere from jack-in-the-box toys to Data and Riker’s first encounter in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. But it may not even be about a weasel at all.
Lorna Wallace|Aug 6, 2024

‘Georgie Porgie’: The Royal Origins of the British Nursery Rhyme


“Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie / Kissed the girls and made them cry.”
Lorna Wallace|Aug 26, 2024

The Surprisingly Lewd Origins of the “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” Nursery Rhyme

The popular nursery rhyme may have emerged in the 14th century—and it didn’t have anything to do with bathing.
Tim Brinkhof|Nov 8, 2024

The Dark and Mysterious Origins of 10 Classic Nursery Rhymes

When it comes to pure terror fuel in prose form, Stephen King has got nothing on Mother Goose. Some have speculated that these nursery rhymes have roots in Viking rampages and plagues.
Jennifer M Wood|Mar 14, 2023

6 Forgotten Nursery Rhymes and Their Meanings

Therese Oneill|Mar 13, 2023

10 Interpretations of Popular Nursery Rhymes

You’ve probably grown up your entire life without putting much thought into the nursery rhymes drilled into your head. But there are tales behind each of them—some pretty dark.
Stacy Conradt|Apr 30, 2024

The Reason Reading Makes You Sleepy

If you’re trying to teach yourself how to fall asleep faster, reading before bed is a good habit to pick up—here’s why.
Ellen Gutoskey|Jul 6, 2021

12 Inspiring Quotes About Books and Reading

Profound quotes about books and reading from the likes of Toni Morrison, Jane Austen, George R.R. Martin, Salman Rushdie, and more of your favorite authors.
Erin McCarthy|Sep 14, 2021

Sorry, Web Scholars: Reading Print Is Better for Comprehension

A meta-analysis found a greatly reduced level of information retention when people got their data from screens instead of physical books.
Jake Rossen|Dec 27, 2023

6 Scientific Benefits of Reading More

Some of the perks that come with picking up a book might surprise you.
Abigail Fagan|May 21, 2024

11 of the Most Famous People of 1985

Two Michaels, Madonna, and a murderer kept themselves in the headlines throughout '85.
Jake Rossen|Aug 14, 2025

The Summer’s Most Popular State Parks, According to Google Maps

These stunning U.S. state parks garnered the most attention—and map searches.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 13, 2025

Map Shows the Most Popular Potato Chip Brands By State

Find out which chips people are snacking on across the country.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 13, 2025
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