Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

Sorbet or Italian ice? You be the judge.

Italian ice has a sorbet-like texture, but these frozen desserts really aren’t the same thing. So, where does this summer treat really come from—and more importantly, is it even from Italy in the first place?

Marla Mackoul


John Laurens and Joseph Brant.

While their images might not be immortalized on dollar bills or their stories ingrained into every high school syllabus, these lesser-known figures nonetheless played critical roles in the shaping of the American Revolution.

Colin Scanlon








Here‘s how to make sure your avocados are ripe and delicious.

Not sure if your avocado is ripe? Learn easy ways to check, tricks to speed up ripening, and the best ways to store it without ruining the taste.

CaLea Johnson






Grab your magnifying glass.

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

Ellen Gutoskey