Big Questions Answered, How and Why

A pickleball paddle and ball on a court.

Forget what you’ve heard about a dog—here’s the real story behind the origins of the name ‘pickleball.’

Veggies and Green Goddess dressing are a delicious combination.

Yes, it’s green, but eating it may not make you feel like a health goddess.

Some old-fashioned window guards look like they have a potbelly. Discover the real reason why, as well as the history surrounding these unique grills.

Nickname origins can be tricky—but this one is actually pretty straightforward. (And it doesn't involve pegs.)

Who put the ‘patent’ in ‘patent leather’?

The coating protected items like boots and carriage parts from wear and tear—and looked luxurious while doing so. But who invented patent leather? And does that person actually hold a patent for it?

Anchovies or sardines? We break down how these small fish differ in looks, taste, and popular preparation methods.

The tool name that’s long been the laughingstock of adolescents has a perfectly sensible explanation.

Swimming in lakes (or any wild water) has its risks. When in doubt, check local advisories and trust your senses. And if the water looks or smells off, you might have better luck sticking to land.

It's more than just a decorative choice.

It’s not a coincidence that so many porch ceilings are often painted blue in the South, and the history of why is even more fascinating.

Spot a surplus of pumps in one small area? You're seeing Hotelling's Law in action.

These beloved sodas may seem similar, but they aren’t one and the same.

Surfers are used to getting mouthfuls of saltwater.

The salt in the ocean comes from two main sources: rocks on land and vents at the bottom of the sea.

Crunchy. Leafy. Exploding with flavor. (Just kidding.)

Let’s explore the origins of America's most disrespected lettuce.

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?

An 1898 map of the District of Columbia.

Inside the complicated compromise that created the District of Columbia and the City of Washington—which are kind of the same thing.

Despite what the name suggests, most modern ginger ales lack both real ginger and ale.

The answer lies in the way our brains and taste buds respond to vanilla.

All cheesecake is delicious. So why should you opt for New York-style over any other kind?

Bright ideas come to us in the shower for a reason.

The shower creates the perfect conditions for a creative flash, coaxing out your inner genius.

Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 2023 premiere of 'FUBAR,' season 1.

The Arnold Schwarzenegger–starring Netflix series takes its title from World War II military slang. Here’s what 'fubar' means.

The first soccer balls weren't even made out of rubber.

Dive into the history of soccer balls, including how they evolved from their earliest form, when they were made out of pig bladders, into the hexagon design we see today.