Mental Floss

MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

An old-timey fireman with some dead weight.

What Exactly Is ‘Dead Weight’?

Why your drunk friend feels so much heavier than your sober buddies.

Next time, bring socks.

Scared of Slipping on Ice? Try This Clever Winter Shoe Hack

Slipping and falling on the ice is always a serious risk during winter, but this sock hack from TikTok could help.

Pillows don't last forever.

Do Pillows Really “Expire”?

Pillows work tirelessly to hold your head up. Here's how to know when they've had enough.

Several factors make people more susceptible to the flu in winter.

Why Is the Flu Seasonal?

Like clockwork, flu viruses seem to strike more people in winter than in any other season—and there are several reasons for that.

What Does the Ship Designation ‘SS’ Mean?

The initialism was originally a bit of shipbuilder marketing—and now there are many different kinds of ship designations.

Delivery!

Why Do We Say Storks Deliver Babies?

There comes a point in every child’s life when they ask where babies come from, and some parents—not wanting to explain the details of reproduction just yet—turn to the story of storks. We explore the origins of a myth that has been around for centuries.

You can even make it a team effort.

The Right Way to Fold Fitted Sheets

When it comes to folding fitted sheets, there's a right, and wrong, way to go about things.

How do these guys do it?

How Do Octopuses Poop?

The funnel they use to get around serves a dual purpose.

Fans have had to wait an extra week for a Super Bowl champion to be crowned.

Why Did the Super Bowl Move From January to February?

The big game used to be a January staple. Now it’s in February, and it may not be done moving yet.

The boonies.

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

We have the military to thank.

Worried about traction? One of these options can help.

Sand vs. Rock Salt vs. Kitty Litter: Which One Is Better on Icy Roads?

When it comes to winter road safety, which one should you use? It all depends on whether you’re looking to melt ice, gain traction, or both.

Punxsutawney Phil is not the most reliable weather predictor.

How Accurate Are Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day Weather Predictions?

The stats indicate that practice doesn’t always make perfect when it comes to mid-sized meteorological rodents.

The Jet Stream (left, over northern Canada) and the Gulf Stream (right, near Florida) both have big effects on global climate.

Jet Stream vs. Gulf Stream: What’s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between the two before the next polar vortex.

Old-fashioned chivalry isn't dead after all.

Why Do People Propose on One Knee?

The origins for this marriage proposal tradition go back to the days of knights and courtly love.

Beyoncé has won more Grammy awards than any other artist, but Album of the Year is not one of them (yet).

What's the Difference Among the Grammys’ Album, Record, and Song of the Year?

Each is a prestigious win at the Grammy Awards, but these similar-sounding prizes are given to different music industry roles.

You can open the curtains, but that's as far as it goes.

Why Can’t We Open Hotel Room Windows?

Hotels have several good reasons to prevent guests from cracking open a window.

Just don’t overdo it.

Tired of Drinking Bitter Tea? Try Adding Salt, Not Sugar

Tea and sugar are a classic combination. But salt may actually be more helpful when it comes to improving tea’s flavor.

If you see frost, it's a sign to back off.

Can You Still Mow Your Lawn in the Winter?

When it comes to cold-weather lawn care, this is one chore that can definitely wait until spring—with a couple of exceptions.

The grandmother of music players.

Why Are They Called the “Grammys”?

No, the Grammys weren’t christened to honor someone’s grandmother.

Astronauts face lots of challenges, including what to do with dirty underwear.

Do Astronauts Do Laundry in Space?

Tossing stinky socks in a washer isn’t really an option once you leave Earth.

We can confirm this suit is pretty ugly.

Where Did the Phrase ‘Neither Confirm Nor Deny’ Come From?

We cannot confirm nor deny we have an explanation.

Dog whistles can make training easier.

How Do Dog Whistles Work?

The ultrasonic training instruments are easy to use. But there’s a dark history behind their inventor—and their initial purpose.

Black ice causes very dangerous conditions.

What Is Black Ice, And Why Is It So Dangerous?

Black ice on the road is a recipe for disaster. Here’s what it is, how it forms, and where it’s often hiding in plain sight.

The names make a lot of sense.

The History of How Each Month’s Full Moon Got its Name

Each month’s full moon marks the changing seasons.