Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

The origins of these animals’ names may surprise you.

‘Hippopotamus’ is Latin for “river-horse,” which makes sense for these semiaquatic mammals. The origins of some other animal names aren’t quite as literal.

Paul Anthony Jones
According to some depictions of her, Mother Goose isn't even a bird.

Many nursery rhymes are attributed to Mother Goose. But was Mother Goose even a real person?

Lorna Wallace






Where did this weird word come from?

It’s hardly the most complimentary turn of phrase, but rug rat has been a slang term for children for more than half a century.

Paul Anthony Jones


















Which ones will you start using in conversation?

If you’ve ever needed a word for a piece of bread eaten just after a bath, or a term for an unpleasant choice between three options, you’re in luck.

Paul Anthony Jones