MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

“Who, me?” This goat, hearing about the word ‘scapegoat.’

The Reason We Call People Blamed for Things “Scapegoats”

History is filled with figures who were single-handedly—yet often undeservedly—held responsible for epic societal failures. But what do goats have to do with it?

Product safety date, or encrypted military code? You be the judge.

Sell By vs. Best By Dates on Food: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to food safety, none of these phrases means what you think it means.

Bison grazing in Grand Teton National Park.

What’s the Difference Between Bison and Buffalo?

In the U.S., the terms ‘bison’ and ‘buffalo’ are used interchangeably—but they’re actually two different animals. Here’s how to tell them apart.

Why Artificial Banana Flavor Doesn’t Quite Taste Like Bananas

Despite what people often claim, the Gros Michel isn't to blame.

Corned beef? Or pastrami? Let's hash it out.

Pastrami vs. Corned Beef: What's the Difference?

The two brined meats are both delicious, but they're prepared in very different ways.

Why Do Older People Grunt or Moan While Sitting Down or Standing Up?

It's known as "middle-aged groan," and it afflicts millions who dare try to get off the couch.

British vs. English: What’s the Difference?

First, you have to understand the difference between England and Britain (and the UK, while we’re at it).

How Barbra Streisand Inspired the “Streisand Effect”

It’s common sense: If you make a big deal over something, it’s going to attract attention. And if you’re an international superstar, like, say, Barbra Streisand, the tantrum is going to draw even more attention.

Did the Bouncing DVD Logo Ever Actually Hit the Corner of the Screen?

Dunder Mifflin employees aren't the only people curious about whether that now-iconic DVD logo ever really does hit the corner of the screen.

Warning: Using Dish Soap in Your Laundry Machine Is a Bad Idea (Regardless of What TikTok Says)

Not all TikTok hacks are actually hacks. Here’s why you shouldn’t wash clothes with dish soap.

Why Do We Like to 'Nip It in the Bud'?

The idiom goes back centuries. And no, it's not 'nipping it in the butt.'

There are some key differences between the two devices.

What’s the Difference Between a Router and a Modem?

You need to set up both a router and a modem if you want Wi-Fi internet in your home, but there are major differences between the two devices.

Are You Really More Likely to Die on Your Birthday? The ‘Birthday Effect,’ Explained

“We concluded that birthdays end lethally more frequently than might be expected."

Chicken fingers or chicken tenders? It's complicated.

Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Fingers: What's the Difference?

All fried chicken tenders qualify as fingers, but not all chicken fingers are tenders.

Phone numbers with letters look like gibberish to most people making a phone call today.

Why Did Old Phone Numbers Start With Letters?

You may have noticed these weird phone numbers while watching reruns of your favorite ’50s-era TV show—and though they look like gibberish to modern phone-users, they were perfectly normal at the time.