Big Questions Answered, How and Why

Is it there for aesthetic value or something more?

The original reason electrical plugs had holes isn’t the reason they still have holes these days. Discover the history behind their evolution here.

Cats are pretty good at regulating their temperature.

Here’s a hint: It’s not by sweating through their paws.

All you need to know about the latest generational phenomenon sparking arguments on TikTok and other social media platforms, from what it is to why Gen Z is doing it.

The phrase can be traced back to a Romantic poet.

Birds and bees get all the action—and Samuel Taylor Coleridge was jealous. Here are the possible origins of the euphemistic phrase.

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?