Mental Floss

MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

They look remarkably similar.

Anchovies or sardines? We break down how these small fish differ in looks, taste, and popular preparation methods.

Gas stations are everywhere.

Spot a surplus of pumps in one small area? You're seeing Hotelling's Law in action.

Crunchy. Leafy. Exploding with flavor. (Just kidding.)

Let’s explore the origins of America's most disrespected lettuce.

Lea & Perrins is the cream of the crop.

What it is, why it’s called that, and how to say it correctly.

Bright ideas come to us in the shower for a reason.

The shower creates the perfect conditions for a creative flash, coaxing out your inner genius.

Resist the urge to smash this eight-legged fren.

Even if you don’t usually see them, spiders are in your house. And they’re paying rent, sort of.

Air ain't free, mister.

Air is a free resource—unless you need it for your tires.

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

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.

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

The spud wrench can pull double duty.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Kraft‘s Miracle Whip isn‘t mayonnaise.

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 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.

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

Blue looks good on this mountain range.

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.

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?’

Can a Boston dog bahk?

Here‘s the dreaded wisdom tooth doing its thing.

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

Big bucks.

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

White makes a surprising amount of sense for a painter.

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.

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

A rare Ronald McDonald sighting.

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