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What’s the Correct Pronunciation of ‘February’?

In the United States, the most common pronunciation is “FEB-yoo-air-ee.” Both Merriam-Webster and American Heritage dictionaries consider the common pronunciation correct, along with the less common, more traditional standard “FEB-roo-air-ee.”

The long-snouted fellow in the center is a very slithy tove.

‘Wug,’ ‘Gostak,’ and 8 Other Weird Old Nonce Words

Nonce words are only meant to serve one particular purpose—here are some of the best examples.

What’s the Kennection? #99

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?

A scene from “The Greatest Night in Pop”

The Greatest Night in Pop: 10 Facts About the Making of “We Are the World”

In the ’80s, pop music decided to take on the world’s problems. There was Band Aid, Live Aid, Farm Aid, and of course, USA for Africa's “We Are the World.”

You've probably been within spitting distance of a nuclear warhead without even realizing it.

See How the U.S. Government Transports Its Nuclear Weapons

The U.S. government is constantly moving its nuclear weapons from one facility to another, which means you may have passed one on the highway without even realizing it.

The 100 Most Popular Baby Names From 100 Years Ago

The 1924 list of most popular baby names has a few (but not many) things in common with today's trends.

The Long, Contentious History of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U”

The winding tale of “Nothing Compares 2 U” begins in 1984, when Prince wrote the song, and continues through to 2021, when Sinead O’Connor declared it “my song.”

Elizabeth Fry, the 'Angel of Prisons'

Elizabeth Fry championed prison reform, particularly for women and children, in 19th-century England.

Why Is ‘February’ Spelled So Strangely?

Why is February spelled the way it is? Delve into the linguistic evolution of the month’s name and its journey from Latin to modern English.

In Gen X parlance, this dude totally rocks.

11 Words Gen Xers Made Popular

From yuppie to headbanger, we have Generation X to thank for these terms that became popular in the 1980s and ’90s.

Cuttlefish have incredible powers of disguise.

Watch A Cuttlefish Camouflage Itself in an Underwater Living Room

In the ocean, cuttlefish are masters of disguise. But can they camouflage themselves in artificial environments, like human homes?

10 Hefty Facts About Moose

Explore some big facts about moose, from their antler combat to the mystery behind their declining populations.

Winston Churchill needed a good dentist.

For Sale: Winston Churchill’s Gold-Mounted Dentures

Plagued by oral issues, the British prime minister carried two sets of dentures with him at all times.

When the Miniseries Ruled Television in the ‘70s and ‘80s

Discover the groundbreaking history of miniseries in television. From "Roots" to "Rich Man, Poor Man," these limited-run shows transformed the medium, and here‘s how.

10 Facts You Should Know About Robert Burns and Burns Night

Robert Burns was voted the greatest Scot over iconic warrior William Wallace in a 2009 poll.

Why You Should Never Use Someone Else’s Toothbrush

Using a toothbrush that doesn't belong to you isn't a romantic gesture. It's a health risk.

Is the call really coming from inside the house?

15 Origins of Urban Legends

From what inspired Candyman and the Mothman to the tales about alligators in the sewers and killers calling from inside the house, we're breaking down the origins of popular urban legends.

Barking at nothing is a popular dog pastime.

Why Do Dogs Bark at Nothing?

Barking into the abyss is a frequent complaint of pet owners, but there's an explanation. (And no, it's not aliens.)

The birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas influenced the timing of Black History Month.

7 Facts About Black History Month

We celebrate Black History Month every February to recognize the amazing impact African American people have had on our culture. Read on for more about this tradition's origins.

Don’t call a gig at McDonald’s a “McJob.”

When McDonald's Went to War With the Dictionary

The fast food behemoth took issue with how The Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defined 'McJob.' It was not a flattering description.

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor on the set of 'The Sandpiper' (1965).

9 Unforgettable Breakup Letters From History

These famous couples (and some lesser famous ones) didn’t mince words in their breakup letters.

Mark Mothersbaugh performs with Devo at the Whiskey A Go Go in 1979.

Why Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh Turned Down the Chance to Play Doc Brown in ‘Back to the Future’

Mark Mothersbaugh—frontman for Devo, the band behind the 1980 mega-hit “Whip It”—could have also played a role in one of the biggest movies of the '80s.

You can practically hear the hissing and growling.

How to Help Your Cats Get Along, According to an Expert

Cats can get aggressive when you introduce a new animal into the house. These expert tips from a cat trainer can help your pets get along.

Why go by the jellyfish’s English name when you could go with its more delightful French moniker instead?

15 Delightfully Descriptive French Animal Names

En français, the name for ‘jellyfish’ comes from a famous figure in Greek mythology—can you guess which one?

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