MF Explains It All

The slang term for our mental health professionals has a rather grim history.

Legal eagles like adding “Esquire” to their letterhead. But does it actually carry any meaning?

Honking in a tunnel is a common practice in certain parts of the country.

If you’re not originally from Tennessee, tunnel honking can be a mystery. Here's why drivers do it.

Car horns don't work quite how you might think.

Can honking at too much traffic actually deplete your car’s horn? The answer might surprise you.

A litmus test is an idiom for a challenge. But why?

When a politician, sports team, or anyone else faces a defining challenge, it's referred to as a “litmus test.” What's litmus, and why is it being tested?

Egress windows are built for one very specific purpose: keeping you alive.

Brushing up on some boring window terminology could mean the difference between life and death. (Seriously.)

There‘s a logical reason why ground beef often looks like this.

Brown hues aren‘t always signs of spoilage.

Though the gray band is safe to eat, it’s not particularly appetizing.

The stringy white glob hanging off an egg yolk is a chalaza. Here’s what it does and when you should remove it.

Not everyone enjoys classical music blaring out of gas station loudspeakers. And that's the point.

Gas stations know what they’re doing when they play Bach at the pump.

If you ask for a “jye-roh” in Greece, prepare to get some funny looks.

Calling police officers “cops” dates to the 19th century.

Cutting down on syllables is just one reason ‘cop’ became synonymous with ‘police officer.’

Olives: You either love them or hate them.

What sets green and black olives apart? It’s more than just color.

Malted milk powder makes all the difference.

One key ingredient separates a malt from a milkshake.

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

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.

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?

Nickname origins can be tricky—but this one is actually pretty straightforward. (And it doesn't involve pegs.)

The woman above is technically a maiko, or young geisha in training.

Japan’s geisha are experts in their field, but they’re often treated like tourist attractions. Learn why Kyoto officials have had to crack down on tourist photos.