Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

These words all mean pirate, but their histories tell very different stories.

Exterior of a Romano's Macaroni Grill location in Orlando, one of several once-popular chains that have since faded from the dining scene.

From once-ubiquitous casual dining spots to fast-food favorites, these 20 defunct chain restaurants were everywhere—until they weren’t. Here’s what happened to them.

These states experience harsher and more unpredictable weather than the rest of the U.S.

Wings Group Portrait

Hits by Simon & Garfunkel, Andy Gibb, and Rod Stewart dominated the '70s. Learn the stories behind the biggest songs of the decade here.

Andrew Stanton of Pixar Film Studios

Before their first feature film had even debuted, Pixar's brain trust got together for lunch and dreamed up the plots and characters for four future projects.

Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’

You know the most popular book adaptations. But do you know them from the negative reviews?

James Dean standing next to white picket fence

John Steinbeck's interpretation of the Hebrew word originally spelled 'timshol' has moved countless readers—and has also sparked debate among scholars.

Breathtaking breakfast view in Appenzell, Switzerland, surrounded by stunning mountains.

How much does a meal cost around the world? Discover the most expensive and affordable countries to dine out, according to global cost-of-living data.

Gilmore Girls - 4k - Season 1 Opening credits - 2000-2007 - The WB/CW

"As long as everything is exactly the way I want it, I'm totally flexible."

Test your spooky knowledge with the best Halloween trivia questions and answers. From classic horror films to ancient origins, see how much you know!

Calico cat among pink flowers

From purring to the zoomies, almost all of your cat's quirky behaviors have logical explanations.

Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’

Take a look behind the scenes of the movie that made Julia Roberts a star.

Martha Corey and her prosecutors, Salem, Massachusetts, C1692 (C1880)

Same king, same accusation, two completely different deaths.

Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio in ’Romeo + Juliet’

Think you know movies? Put your knowledge to the test by finishing the movie title that features a character’s name. You’ve only got 12 minutes to complete it!

A few of these items would never be allowed in schools today.

Do remember your favorite book to read as a child?

Discover the most and least expensive U.S. states for groceries in 2026 based on new map data. See where your state ranks on food costs.

Did your city make the list of the best-smelling cities in America?

How well do you know your Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and LL Cool J hits? Test your knowledge of '90s music with this quiz.

Of all his iconic film roles, the 'Friends' star called this one his 'best.'

Girls at needlework, Halliwick School For Girls, Marylebone Road, London, c1903 (1903)

Victorian classrooms were built around discipline, order, and rules that left almost no room for misbehavior.

Nobel Prize Winning Author John Steinbeck

Each morning before working on the book 'East of Eden,' John Steinbeck set down to write a letter.

‘The Simpsons’

How well do you know the characters from ‘The Simpsons’? We're putting that knowledge to the test.

Alternatingly cozy, chilling, and deeply reflective, these novels are designed to sweep you away on crisp autumn evenings.