Big Questions Answered, How and Why

Accidental 911 calls happen more often than you may think.

You never want to butt-dial the cops by mistake. But if you do, here’s what happens next.

It looks like something has him on edge.

An extra-fluffy tail doesn’t just look cute—it’s your cat’s way of communicating how they feel.

It sounds like a myth, but hot drinks really can make you cooler.

Malted milk powder makes all the difference.

One key ingredient separates a malt from a milkshake.

Deadbolts are a pretty good theft deterrent.

Our favorite type of door lock has a somewhat morbid name.

They haven’t been mandated by the EPA since 2012, but California has kept them around.

Baby viewing windows were once a staple of hospital maternity wards across the country, but now they feel like a relic from a bygone era. Read on to learn about their history—and the real reasons why they vanished.

Anxiety is a normal feeling to experience.

Feeling anxious can be normal and sometimes even healthy. Missing out on life because of that anxiety is not.

The cocoon is on the left and the chrysalis is on the right.

Confused about pupae, chrysalises, and cocoons? Discover the key differences between these metamorphic terms.

Residents of Washington, D.C., have no governor, no voting representation in Congress, and only limited local authority. The reason is simple: D.C. isn’t a state. Let’s break down the history and future of D.C. statehood.

Both are major sources of fun, but they have their differences.

Ever wondered if a theme park is just another name for an amusement park? Discover the real distinctions.

Snacking on a raw potato like it’s an apple is socially unacceptable. But is it a hazard to your health?

The favorite tool of HGTV hosts, explained.

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.

BIG QUESTIONS

What Happens If You Call 911 by Mistake?

Why Is My Cat’s Tail All Puffed Up?

Does Drinking a Hot Drink Really Cool You Down?

Malt vs. Milkshake: What’s the Difference?

Why Is It Called a “Deadbolt”?

What Are Those Weird Sleeves on California Gas Pumps?

Why Did Baby Viewing Windows Disappear From Hospitals?

What’s the Difference Between Feeling Anxious and Having Anxiety?

Chrysalis vs. Cocoon vs. Pupa: What’s the Difference?

Why Isn’t Washington, D.C., a State?

Amusement Park vs. Theme Park: What‘s the Difference?

Is It Safe to Eat Raw Potatoes?

Why Is It Called a “Sledgehammer”?

Why Do Electrical Plugs Have Holes in the Prongs?

How Do Cats Cool Themselves Off?

What Is “Gen Z Stare”?

Where Does the Term ‘The Birds and The Bees’ Come From?

Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?

Why Is It Called “Green Goddess” Dressing?

Why Are the Metal Bars on Some Windows Curved?

The Reason Why ‘Peggy’ Is Short for ‘Margaret’

What Exactly Is Patent Leather—And Is It Actually Patented?

Sardines vs. Anchovies: What‘s the Difference?

Why Is It Called a “Ball Peen Hammer”?