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.

A farrier holding a horse’s newly shod hoof.

Why Do Some Horses Need Shoes, But Cows Don't?

Some of these presidents were well versed in October surprises.

Where Did the Term ‘October Surprise’ Originate?

Do you know how many species of bats actually drink blood?

Make Your Halloween Party Extra Eerie With This Spooky Fact–Filled YouTube Video From Mental Floss

Merriam-Webster Adds ‘Beach Read,’ ‘IDGAF,’ and 24 More New Words to the Dictionary

Definition Detective Quiz #8

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Definition Detective Quiz #7

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Washington Irving, the Knicks' biggest fan.

The Disappearance of Diedrich Knickerbocker: How Washington Irving’s Clever Hoax Named the New York Knicks

‘Knickerbocker’ has many meanings. Without Washington Irving, it would likely only have one.

Italian Organization Confirms the World’s Best Pizza Is in New York

The best pizza in the world has a strong link to New Jersey.

The 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023

In honor of Banned Books Week, the ALA published its list of 2023’s most contentious titles.

The Surprising Origins of 5 Spooky Sayings

From ‘skeletons in the closet’ to ‘graveyard shift,’ here’s how five eerie idioms came to be.

French playing cards use ‘R’ and ‘D’ instead of ‘K’ and ‘Q.’

You Can Help Set a World Record for Most People Playing Solitaire in 24 Hours

This Guinness World Record requires no skill—just an internet connection.

Definition Detective Quiz #6

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

How to Find Out If You’re Registered to Vote

If you’ve recently moved or changed your name (or just haven’t voted in a while), you probably need to re-register to vote.

7 Fun Facts About ‘Strega Nona’

Of all Tomie dePaola’s books, ‘Strega Nona’ is by far the most beloved. Here are seven things you might not have known about the story.

Definition Detective Quiz #5

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

8 Words People Really Hate (And What to Say Instead)

Need another word for ‘moist’ (or some other gross word)? We’ve got you.