BIG QUESTIONS

Where did this phrase come from, anyway?

Why Do We Say “Trick or Treat” on Halloween?

The origins of the phrase (indirectly) involve smelly cabbage, Donald Duck, and several Canadian journalists.

How Did ‘Jones’ Come to Mean ‘Craving’?

Nowadays, we use jones to express an intense craving for something. But it used to refer specifically to drugs.

How Much Does Earth Cost?

Earth may be the most precious place we have, but it isn't priceless. We know because one scientist did the math.

Karl Aspelin, Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons

What Was the First Banned Book in History?

As is often the case when you look back into history, there’s more than one possible answer. But one of the leading contenders has a fairly predictable culprit: the Puritans.

Prepared horseradish sometimes requires more preparation.

What Exactly Is Horseradish Sauce?

Prepared horseradish and horseradish sauce aren’t the same thing.

“Nutmeg State” isn’t actually Connecticut’s official nickname.

Why is Connecticut Called the “Nutmeg State”?

Technically, it’s not. Connecticut’s “official nickname” is the “Constitution State.”

Where Did the Term ‘Up to Snuff’ Originate?

Are you not up to snuff when it comes to knowing the origin of ‘up to snuff’? We can help you with that.

Why Don’t Cars Have Hood Ornaments Anymore?

Cars used to sport exquisite pieces of art on their hoods. What happened?

Rock-hard cookies are bad enough without the presence of actual rocks.

How Do Rocks, Metal, and Other Foreign Materials Get Into Our Food?

A bacteria-related food recall is troubling but understandable. It’s a little weirder when one involves golf balls.

Why Do People Say the Moon is Made of Cheese?

The moon-made-of-cheese rumor may have started with a hungry wolf and a crafty fox.

Why Is Sneakily Leaving Called an “Irish” Goodbye or Exit?

What is an Irish goodbye—and why is it called that?

She probably did a lot of scratching before settling down.

Why Do Dogs Scratch Their Beds Before Lying Down?

Your dog’s instinct to furiously dig at their bed before falling asleep would make a lot more sense in the wild.

Is Halloween strictly for kids, or is an age cap warranted?

How Old Is Too Old for Trick or Treating?

Some communities have ordinances banning teens from knocking on doors. But are they justified?

Why Do Cats Respond to “Pspsps”?

Cats and “Pspsps” go together like toddlers and the crinkling wrapper of a candy bar that you were trying to eat in secret. What gives?

Why Do We Sometimes Call Aluminum Foil “Tin Foil”?

Tin foil and aluminum foil are not the same thing.

Why Do Goats Have Such Weird Eyes?

The shape of an animal’s pupils is a clue to its place in the food chain.

Why Do Truck Drivers Say “10-4”?

“10-4” isn’t any quicker than saying “OK.” But it is a storied trucker tradition.

The Reason Why Americans Refer to Autumn as ‘Fall’

The words ‘fall’ and ‘autumn’ appeared around the same time in Great Britain, but only one of the seasonal names is still used there today.

Essential components of any vampire repelling kits.

Why Can’t Vampires Eat Garlic?

The idea that garlic repels vampire has been linked to some serious health problems.

The Mesh Grating on Your Microwave Is Actually an Important Safety Feature

To block microwave radiation, all you need is a simple screen.

Thousand Island vs. Russian Dressing: What’s the Difference?

Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing are two creamy sauces that are often confused for one another. So what’s the story?

How Long Can You Drive After Your Car’s Gas Light Comes On?

Just how many miles can you drive once your car alerts you that you're running out of gas? The answer might surprise you.

What Happens to Unsold Halloween Pumpkins?

The unwanted gourds can wind up in a variety of places, including your local zoo.

How Old Is Barbie Supposed to Be, Anyway?

It’s often said that Barbie is 19 years old, but the answer is a little more nuanced than that.

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