Mental Floss

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Why are so many pencils painted yellow? The answer traces back to a prizewinning pencil, luxury branding, and graphite imported from China.

Paul Anthony Jones

Why do we mow lawns? The tradition dates back centuries, when neatly trimmed grass was a luxury reserved for Europe's wealthiest landowners.

Jane Alexander








Why do so many Americans work 9 to 5? The familiar schedule grew out of labor activism, federal law, and innovations introduced by Henry Ford.

Jenny Cohen








What does "41" mean in slang? Here's how a seemingly random number became Gen Alpha and Gen Z's latest inside joke after 6-7.

Paul Anthony Jones