MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Which Side of a Graduation Cap Does the Tassel Go On?

Graduation tassel placement depends on what degree you’re getting—and whether you’ve actually graduated yet.

Stink vs. Stank vs. Stunk: What's the Difference, and When Should I Use Each One?

When does something stink, when did you believe something stank, and when might it have stunk?

Which Country Has the Longest Coastline?

Experts agree that Canada has the world's longest coastline, but the exact length is disputed.

Is There Really Such a Big Difference Between Bottled Water and Tap Water?

Filtered tap water is likely going to be cheaper, with little difference in taste.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: What’s the Difference?

Not all passports are books. But what exactly is a passport card?

Is this a fictitious or fictional scene?

Fictitious vs. Fictional: What’s the Difference?

The meanings of ‘fictional’ and ‘fictitious’ are basically the same, but we don’t always use the words the same way.

The Real Reason Fast Food Workers Always Wear Hats

The visors, baseball caps, and paper hats worn by fast food workers serve a hygienic purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

What Exactly Is Greek Yogurt?

Every Greek yogurt starts out as regular yogurt—but there’s some extra straining involved.

Why Does ‘Spick-and-Span’ Mean ‘Really Clean’?

‘Spick’ doesn’t mean ‘clean.’ And ‘span’ doesn’t mean ‘clean.’ So what’s going on here?

It's easy to make a case for The Nile as the longest river in the world, but measuring a river isn't that easy.

What Is the Longest River in the World?

It’s an issue so complicated that river length isn't even considered a useful measure anymore.

It's Chick-fil-A's pleasure to serve you.

Why Do Chick-fil-A Employees Say “My Pleasure” Instead of “You’re Welcome”?

If you say “my pleasure” before your Chick-fil-A cashier has a chance to utter it, you won’t score free food.

Should You Really Chill Cookie Dough Before Baking It? Yes—Here’s Why

The secret to making the best chocolate chip cookies ever isn’t in the ingredients.

You’re Not Imagining Things—Ranch Dressing Really Does Taste Better in Restaurants

When restaurants serve Hidden Valley Ranch, it often tastes better than the bottled stuff. Here's why.

What the Code on Your Egg Carton Really Means

Knowing the meaning of the three-digit code printed on every egg carton can help you choose a fresher product.

Don't bet on finding one of these on St. Patrick's Day

Here Are Your Chances of Finding a Four-Leaf Clover This St. Patrick's Day

Your chances of finding a four-leaf clover are one in thousands, but there are some steps you can take to increase your luck.

What Is SPAM Made Of?

The recipe for SPAM isn't as complicated as its reputation would have you think.

Daylight saving time has been erasing 2 a.m. on and off since 1918.

The Reason Daylight Saving Time Begins at 2 a.m.

Whether we're springing forward or falling back, we do it at exactly 2 a.m.—but why?

What Happens to Undeliverable Mail With No Return Address?

If you forgot to put a return address on a piece of mail that never made it to its destination, you can still get it back.

Why Are So Many Pop Songs Roughly Three Minutes Long?

The roughly three-minute limit dates back to the early 20th century—but the digital music landscape is affecting the custom.

The situation has clearly gone from bad to worse.

How to Use Worse vs. Worst Correctly in 6 Common Phrases

What's the 'worse' or 'worst' that could happen if you use the wrong form of this commonly used word? Here's what to know.

What’s That White Stuff on Your Salmon (And Is It Safe to Eat)?

That’s the salmon’s albumin—here’s everything you need to know about what it is and how to avoid it when cooking salmon.

Having to yell "Fore!" probably bodes ill for your score.

Why Do Golfers Yell 'Fore!' When Teeing Off?

It all started with forecaddies … or the military. Either way, ‘fore’ is the most succinct way to say “You might be about to get hit by an errant golf ball.”

What Are Bacon Bits Made Of?

Some so-called bacon bits are 100-percent vegan. Here's what really goes into the shelf-stable convenience food item.

Why Do Trucks Use Diesel Fuel Instead of Gasoline?

Fasten your seatbelts—this gas-vs.-diesel answer involves compression ratios, spark plugs, and torque vs. horsepower.

PREV NEXT