Matt Soniak

Joined: Nov 21, 2012

Matt writes about science, history, etymology and Bruce Springsteen for both the website and the print magazine. His work has also appeared in print and online for Men’s Health, Scientific American, The Atlantic, Philly.com and others. He tweets as @mattsoniak and blogs about animal behavior at mattsoniak.com. He lives in Philadelphia with his girlfriend, two cats and a large collection of bourbon whiskeys.

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

Does the ‘Hand in Warm Water’ Trick Really Make People Pee in Their Sleep?

Minutemen fought for America but probably sounded British.

When Did Americans Lose Their British Accents?

What's the Difference Between Ketchup and Catsup?

Judge Judy really was a judge for family court.

What Legal Authority Does Judge Judy Have?

While Judith Sheindlin was once a real, live judge, she’s not acting as one on her show.

Anglerfish Mating Is Horrific—and Here’s How It Works

If you thought modern-day dating was rough, just wait until you find out how these deep-sea dwellers get it on.

This isn't as tough as the whole chicken-and-egg conundrum.

What Came First: The Color Orange or the Fruit?

The story behind which orange came first involves Arab trade routes and a bunch of old phrases that mean 'orange apple.'

When you're shopping at a flea market, have you ever stopped to wonder how it came by that name?

Why Are Flea Markets Called That?

It’s another in a long line of etymologies that doesn’t have one clear-cut answer, but a few plausible (and interesting) possible explanations.

What Does “SOS” Stand For?

You know it's a distress signal, but what does it actually stand for? A lot of people think it's an abbreviation for “save our souls.” (It's not.)

If this is what your eyeballs feel like after trying (and failing) to see Magic Eye pictures, you're not alone.

Why Can't Some People See Magic Eye Pictures?

Magic Eye pictures have been called “the world’s most famous—and infamously frustrating—optical illusion.” Here’s what might be going on if you can’t see them.

Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a catch over Raymond Calais of the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LVI.

What Happens to the Losing Team’s Pre-Printed Championship Shirts?

For each year’s Super Bowl showdown, manufacturers and retailers will produce and stock two sets of T-shirts, hats, and other merchandise that declares each team the champ. So who gets the losing team’s stuff?