Mental Floss

MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

According to some people, North American and Italian Nutella are different products.

Is There a Difference Between Italian and American Nutella?

Explore the distinctions between the Nutella you know and the Italian original.

If you see a knight wearing a gauntlet, pray he keeps it on.

Why Do We Say “Throw Down the Gauntlet”?

A knight throwing down his glove in Medieval Europe meant serious business.

The spud wrench can pull double duty.

Why Is It Called a “Spud Wrench”?

The etymology of the ironworking tool comes with a slight twist.

Despite the name, it’s completely alcohol-free.

How Did Root Beer Get Its Name?

This classic American soda started as a brewed tea made from a potentially toxic plant.

The holiday is always a three-day weekend for a reason.

Why Is Memorial Day Always on a Monday?

Discover the real reason why Memorial Day always happens on a Monday, plus how the holiday actually does differ from Veterans Day, and more.

You may be better off sticking with your regular credit cards.

Why Do Retail Stores Push Their Own Credit Cards?

And is the discount they promise when signing up even worth it?

Kraft‘s Miracle Whip isn‘t mayonnaise.

What Exactly Is Miracle Whip?

Miracle Whip may remind you of mayo, but it‘s not the same, according to the FDA.

The stingray it on the left, and the skate is to the right.

Skates vs. Rays: What‘s the Difference?

Skates lay black, ravioli-shaped egg cases. Rays give birth to live pups.

Feeling fatigued can get in the way of work and other important things.

Fatigued vs. Tired: What‘s the Difference?

Fatigue and tiredness are often confused, but it‘s important to understand the differences between them.

Blue looks good on this mountain range.

Why Are the Blue Ridge Mountains Blue?

It’s more than a poetic name: the Blue Ridge Mountains really do appear blue, thanks to the human eye and Earth’s atmosphere.

Measuring flour is easier than you may think.

The Right Way to Measure Flour

You might be measuring flour incorrectly. Here‘s the proper way to do it.

‘Why, yes, I am from Long Island! How did you know?’

Do Animals Have Regional Accents?

Can a Boston dog bahk?

Here‘s the dreaded wisdom tooth doing its thing.

Why Do People Have Wisdom Teeth?

Once essential for early humans, wisdom teeth are now more of a nuisance than a necessity.

Big bucks.

Why Do We Call a Dollar a “Buck”?

Everyone knows a buck means a dollar. But not everyone knows why.

White makes a surprising amount of sense for a painter.

Why Do Professional Painters Wear White?

Here’s why the seemingly worst color to use for a messy job is actually the best.

Passengers aren’t always referred to as passengers.

Why Do We Refer to Airplane and Ship Passengers as ‘Souls’?

Hearing the phrase ‘souls on board’ usually portends bad news. Why do we use it?

A rare Ronald McDonald sighting.

Why Did Ronald McDonald Disappear?

The McDonald’s mascot has been keeping a low profile for years. Some people think they know why.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing a wash routine that‘s best for you.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Find out how factors like age, hair type, and lifestyle influence your ideal shampoo routine.

Damaged mirrors can certainly make one distraught.

Why Do Mirrors Have Black Spots?

Those unsightly black marks even have a name: mirror rot.

The “Tortoise and the Hare“ is a popular fable.

Fable vs. Folktale vs. Myth: What’s the Difference?

These narrative forms are similar, but not exactly the same.

They like screens under certain circumstances.

Do Dogs Enjoy Movies?

Videos of dogs watching the animated film “Flow” have gone viral recently, and science backs up the adorable phenomenon.

Arm sleeves are everywhere in the NBA.

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Arm Sleeves?

The sleeves might be performance enhancers. Or not.

A design mystery, decoded.

What Do the Lines on Starbucks Cups Mean?

They’re mostly for the barista, not the customer.

Car names often have a hidden meaning.

How Do Cars Get Their Names?

Naming a car is like naming a baby, only with a few hundred million dollars at stake.