MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Turn left for endurance, right for enthusiasm.

Hearty vs. Hardy: What’s the Difference?

You can’t spell ‘hearty’ without ‘heart,’ or ‘hardy’ without ‘hard.’

Why So Many Burger Chains Use Thousand Island Dressing as Their Special Sauce

It's no secret that most fast food "secret sauces" are a riff on Thousand Island dressing.

For Pete’s Sake—Who Is Pete?

‘For Pete’s sake’ originated around the early 20th century, but the Pete in question may have lived long before that.

It's a wheel. Also a tire. With a rim. And a hubcap.

Hubcaps vs. Rims: What’s the Difference?

Get up to speed on your car lingo.

Are There Any Synonyms for the Word ‘Synonym’?

The answer is a bit complicated.

There‘s a scientific reason you love the smell of gas so much.

There’s a Scientific Reason Why Some People Love the Smell of Gasoline

If you find the pungent aroma of gas pleasant at the pump, you're not alone. Here's why fuel tickles your brain.

Why Does ‘Of Course’ Mean ‘Yes’?

‘Of course’ is one of the most versatile ‘yes’ synonyms we have. But what does it actually mean?

Spoiler alert: This ladybug isn’t actually a bug.

What’s the Difference Between Bugs and Insects?

The difference between bugs and insects comes down to more than just semantics. Both terms have scientific definitions.

What Is Baby Corn, Anyway?

A baby corn plant and a corn plant are one and the same.

The Origins of the Phrase ‘Bee in Your Bonnet’

We’re all familiar with the feeling of having an idea or subject stuck in your head that makes it difficult to think about anything else. But why (and when) did we start comparing that experience to a bee buzzing around in your hat?

Airports are not exactly laptop-friendly.

The Real Reason You Need to Take Your Laptop Out at Airport Security

TSA agents need a closer look at your computer. Here's why.

The Reason Your Converse Sneakers Have Extra Holes on the Side

You may have never noticed the extra holes on the sides of your Chuck Taylor All-Stars, but they serve a clever purpose.

Here's how to figure it out once and for all.

A Simple Trick for Remembering When To Use ‘Who’ vs. ‘Whom’

All you need for this easy grammar check is a couple of pronouns you already know how to use correctly.

Here’s how to nail the pluralization of your name—even if there’s a possessive involved.

To Apostrophe or Not to Apostrophe: How to Pluralize Your Last Name

Pluralizing a last name can seem confusing—and it gets even more confusing when you want to make a name both plural and possessive. Here’s how to correctly do both.

A strong El Niño in 2016 appears like a red tongue in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

What Is El Niño, and Why Does It Have Such a Big Impact?

How can warm water in the Pacific Ocean affect the weather thousands of miles away? Everything is connected.

Don't press this button unless you're sure it's necessary.

Steer Clear: When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use Your Car's Hazard Lights

The big red triangle should only be pushed in case of emergency. (And no, double-parking doesn't count.)

Bats are homographs, homophones, and homonyms.

Homonym vs. Homophone vs. Homograph: What’s the Difference?

Here’s why some homophone examples also work as homograph and homonym examples.

Plastic bags are an environmental disaster.

How Long Does It Really Take for a Plastic Bag to Decompose?

Technically, they really don't.

How Do Cats Cool Themselves Off?

Here’s a hint: It’s not by sweating through their paws.

The Riveting Reason Blue Jeans Have Those Little Metal Studs Over the Pockets

If you’re wearing jeans, you’ll probably spot some tiny metal rivets surrounding the front pockets. Like a lot of details in life, we’ve become accustomed to seeing them. So why are they there?

Forgot Your Passcode? There's a Way to Unlock Your iPhone Without It

Getting locked out of your iPhone is frustrating. But it’s possible to solve the problem of a forgotten passcode without hiring a hypnotist.

Marylanders pledge allegiance to Old Bay.

What Is Old Bay Seasoning, Anyway?

The original Old Bay seasoning recipe had dozens of ingredients—but McCormick’s current one is shrouded in secrecy.

The location of a car's gas tank can be a guessing game.

Why Aren't Car Gas Tanks Always on the Same Side?

To annoy you? Possibly. For other good reasons, like keeping you alive? Also yes.

The Reason Why Manhole Covers Are Round

There are a few reasons why manhole covers around round. Here's how to answer if it ever comes up.

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