Mental Floss

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Ever wonder why your dime and quarter have tiny ridges on the edge? It’s not just for grip—it’s a genius invention from the 1600s that saved the world’s currency from thieves.

Matt Soniak, Nitya Rao










Elisabeth Moss as Peggy in "Mad Men."

Where did we get Dick from Richard? Why is Bill short for William? Here are the origin stories behind 11 popular and particularly confounding nicknames.

David K. Israel, Eden Gordon










The Beatles In London For Yellow Submarine

Did Yoko Ono break up the Beatles, and did they all really hate each other following the band's dissolution? Learn the truth about six major Beatles misconceptions.

Paul Anthony Jones