BIG QUESTIONS

There's a reason we favor these hues around the holidays.

Why Are Red and Green the Colors of Christmas?

While there may be no definite consensus on how red and green became the official colors of Christmas, there are a few interesting explanations.

Why Does Santa Claus Give Coal to Bad Kids?

The tradition of giving misbehaving children lumps of coal predates the Santa Claus we know and love today.

Why Do Dogs Howl at Sirens?

Don't worry: It's not because sirens hurt dogs’ sensitive ears.

What ‘Sic’ Means—And How To Use It Correctly

The literal meaning of ‘sic’ is ‘so’ or ‘thus.’ But the way writers use it is a little more nuanced.

Doesn't the traffic light itself already cover this?

What’s the Point of a “Wait for Green” Traffic Sign?

The meaning of the “wait for green” traffic sign is less redundant than it seems.

Why Do We Only Say “Merry” for Christmas?

Americans favor 'Merry Christmas,' while Brits opt for 'Happy Christmas.' Here's how we got here.

The Truth About Olive Garden’s “Unlimited“ Breadsticks Deal

Olive Garden makes good on its promise of unlimited breadsticks, but the deal does come with some unpublicized caveats.

(It might have something to do with sick days.)

How Did Black Friday Get Its Name?

The day after Thanksgiving, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, has a rather sinister label: Black Friday. How did that happen?

What Is the Longest Song Ever Recorded?

The Guinness World Record holder for longest song ever is based on a 16th-century Indian poem.

Holiday tipping can be a little complicated.

Should You Tip Your Mail Carrier During the Holidays?

You can, but the USPS actually prefers that you don’t. Here’s why.

What Does the Phrase ‘Talk Turkey’ Mean—And Where Did it Come From?

Before you talk turkey this Thanksgiving, find out what we know about the phrase’s meaning and origins.

Why Is My Turkey Wearing Frilly Paper Hats On Its Legs?

Those frilly paper caps on your turkey's legs have been called “turkey frills,” “turkey booties,” and even “turkey panties.” Here’s where they came from.

T-Glottalization: The Reason Some People Drop Their ‘T’s When Speaking

Dropping that ‘t’ sound is an example of what linguists call glottalization, or replacing a sound with a pause in the vocal cords.

You’ll see a lot of blue and white during Hanukkah.

Why Are Blue and White the Colors of Hanukkah?

In 1864, the Jewish poet Ludwig August Frankl named blue and white “the colors of Judah” in a poem not so surprisingly called “Judah’s Colours.”

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Why Do the Lions and Cowboys Always Play on Thanksgiving?

Why do the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always take to the field for a Thanksgiving football game? Because it’s tradition! But how did this tradition begin?

Why Wendy's Quietly Got Rid of Its Elegant Sunrooms

Solariums are nostalgic for many customers, but Wendy's thinks they’re dated.

There’s no doubt about it—rotting food is gross.

How Did ‘Gross’ Become a Term of Disgust?

The word ‘gross,’ which came to English from French, took on a variety of senses in English related to size. But the ‘gross of today is different from the ‘gross’ of the past thanks to teens.