etymology - Trivia, Quizzes, and Brain Teasers | Mental Floss

11 Commonly Misheard Phrases That Actually Make Sense

People have apparently been saying cold slaw since the 18th century.

11 Commonly Misheard Phrases That Actually Make Sense

The Curious Origins of 16 Common Phrases

Before you go bananas, know the theories for where the phrase comes from.

The Curious Origins of 16 Common Phrases

15 Common Expressions Younger Kids Won't Understand

Send this list to any kid who doesn't understand why we say that we "hang up" the phone.

15 Common Expressions Younger Kids Won't Understand

Why Are Some Liquors Called 'Spirits'?

A spirited pour.

Why Are Some Liquors Called 'Spirits'?

Why Is It Called the Placebo Effect?

Spot the sugar pill.

Why Do We Call Blonde Kids 'Towheads?'

Towheadedness runs in the family.

The Unexpected Origin of 'Feeling One's Oats'

Go ahead. Feel them.

Why Do Performers Say 'Break a Leg'?

EvgeniyShkolenko/iStock via Getty Images

Why Do We Say “PU” When Something Stinks?

Putrid, ugh!

The Fascinating Origin Stories and Etymologies Behind 70 Common Words

A 19th-century painting of Paradise Lost's Pandemonium by John Martin.

The 20 Most Spoken Languages in the World

How many languages can you identify?

What’s the Scratch in Made From Scratch?

Ain't no shame in the boxed mix game.

Why Do We Call Kindergarten Kindergarten?

Kindergarten survived some early controversy to become part of the American education system.

Immigrate vs. Emigrate: What’s the Difference?

A 19th-century illustration of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. Or are they emigrants?

The Fascinating Origins of 12 Beautiful Flower Names

Sabine Hortebusch/iStock via Getty Images

Why Is There No N in Restaurateur?

A promising young restaurateur, ready to be called a restauranteur for the rest of her career.