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Ellen Gutoskey
Joined: Jun 24, 2019
Ellen Gutoskey is a Mental Floss staff writer who especially loves covering pop culture, not-so-popular culture, literature, really tiny things, really giant things, and anything that was previously thought to be lost. She used to work in publishing, she's usually laughing, and you can follow her on Twitter @ellengutoskey.
Definition Detective Quiz #46
The Lost “Song of Wade”: A New Translation Decodes Fragment of Mysterious Medieval Tale
The Real Reason Cars Have Those Grab Handles Above the Doors
Mental Floss’s 2026 Desk Calendars Are for Word Nerds and Fact Fans of All Kinds
Our Amazing Facts 2026 calendar features fun facts from all areas, while the Word Nerd 2026 calendar is especially for language lovers.
The Reason Why ‘Peggy’ Is Short for ‘Margaret’
Nickname origins can be tricky—but this one is actually pretty straightforward. (And it doesn't involve pegs.)
Definition Detective Quiz #45
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
Track Great White Sharks and More With This Interactive Map
OCEARCH's map shows you what sharks are near (or more likely far from) you.
Definition Detective Quiz #44
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
How to Pronounce 25 Tricky British Last Names and Titles
From ‘Cholmondeley’ to ‘Wriothesley,’ here's how to pronounce Britain's least intuitive last names.
Can You Correctly Pronounce These Tricky Words?
Test your pronunciation of toughies like 'victuals' and 'skein.'
The Right Way to Pronounce ‘Worcestershire Sauce’
What it is, why it’s called that, and how to say it correctly.
Each State’s Most Popular Baby Names, Mapped
See which names your state's new parents chose most often in 2024.
Who’s the Monty of ‘The Full Monty’?
The original meaning of ‘the full monty’ may involve a hearty breakfast or a three-piece suit.
Definition Detective Quiz #43
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
What Does ‘Fubar’ Mean?
The Arnold Schwarzenegger–starring Netflix series takes its title from World War II military slang. Here’s what 'fubar' means.