MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

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The Differences Between the Terms Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx, Explained

Understanding how and why these terms referring to rich cultural and geographical identities are used—and why they're not—is important.

China's Xie Siyi and Wang Zongyuan in the men's synchronized 3-meter springboard diving final at the Tokyo Olympics.

Why Do They Spray Water in the Olympic Diving Pool Between Dives?

When Tom Daley heads to the showers post-dive, the diving pool gets a little shower of its own. Here’s why.

LeBron James's most recent Olympics appearance at the 2012 London Games.

Why Do So Many NBA Stars Skip the Olympics?

LeBron James’s last Olympic basketball appearance was back in 2012. But he and his fellow NBA players have good reasons for skipping the Games.

Ecuador's Angie Paola Palacios Dajomes during a weightlifting competition on July 27.

Why Are the 2021 Olympics Still Being Called 'Tokyo 2020?'

“Tokyo 2020” is all over the 2021 Olympics coverage—athlete gear, advertisements, etc. Why didn’t anyone change it?

Players from Canada and Spain face off during an Olympic match on July 26, 2021.

The Real Reason Water Polo Players Wear Those Caps

Spend a few minutes watching Olympic water polo, and you’ll realize the players' bonnets have holes in them. If they’re not keeping water out, what are they for?

Rhythmic gymnast Laura Zeng competes for the U.S. at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Artistic vs. Rhythmic Gymnastics: What’s the Difference?

Rhythmic gymnastics is all about ribbons and balls, while artistic gymnastics is all about flips and tricks. But there’s a little more to it than that.

Dairy Queen ice cream isn't exactly ice cream.

Dairy Queen's Frozen Treats Aren't Technically Ice Cream—Here's Why

Dairy Queen, home of The Blizzard, is careful not to advertise "ice cream" on its menu. Here's the curious reason why.

Why Do Chefs Season Food From High Up?

It’s not just Salt Bae—this cooking hack is used by home and pro chefs alike. Here’s how it helps improve your dish.

Why Do Police Officers Wear Blue?

The dark blue uniforms worn by police officers date back to the early police departments of the 19th century.

We all have nipples. Sometimes they hurt. Here's why.

Why Do Nipples Hurt?

There are a few reasons why nipples can feel sore, but the most common can be found in your laundry hamper.

Something stuck in your eye? There's a solution for that.

How to Get Something Out of Your Eye

A stray bug or bit of dirt in the eye can really ruin your day. Here's how to keep your peepers clear.

Why Do Flamingos Stand on One Leg?

Pink flamingos’ ability to stand on one leg seems impressive—but it might be less of a balancing act than you think.

The Reason Reading Makes You Sleepy

If you’re trying to teach yourself how to fall asleep faster, reading before bed is a good habit to pick up—here’s why.

If you use the wrong one, you can always claim it was a typo.

Semicolon vs. Colon: When to Use Each One

Semicolon-versus-colon is one of the most fearsome face-offs in the grammar game. Here’s how to come out on top.

How to Decode the Numbers on Your Car's Tires

Before you go shopping for new tires for your car, learn how to decode the numbers printed on the sidewalls.

No, the White Stuff on Your Baby Carrots Isn't Chlorine

The white stuff isn’t a sign that your carrots have gone bad—but they might appreciate a little water.

Crow vs. Raven: What’s the Difference?

“That’s so raven.” —You, when you spot a black bird with a big curved beak and a diamond-shaped tail.

Is Pink Lettuce Safe to Eat?

Why does lettuce turn pink? Contrary to what you might think, it’s not because bacteria has taken over.

She's ready to captivate her classmates with a rousing debate on each vs. every.

Each vs. Every: What’s the Difference?

There’s a reason why “Every of my feet” sounds so wrong, and why “Almost each foot” is equally weird.

"May I please use can when asking permission to do something?"

Can vs. May: When to Use Each Term

Many a teacher has reinforced the grammar rule that ‘may’ is for asking permission—not ‘can.’ But there’s a little more to it than that.

Why Do Cats Like to Slap and Swat at Things?

According to animal behavior science, cats don't just swat at things because they're lovable little jerks.

Why Does Grass Make Us Itch?

The inviting green stuff is supposed to bring us closer to nature. Instead, grass creates a stinging, itchy sensation. What gives?

Those wooden utensils in the corner are eyeing this situation nervously.

How a Wooden Spoon Prevents Your Pot of Water From Boiling Over, According to Science

Pasta water is notorious for frothing up and over the sides of your pot. Here’s why a wooden spoon helps prevent that.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for sunscreen.

Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: What’s the Difference?

Sunblock and sunscreen aren’t the same thing, but the lines get pretty blurred on product labels these days.

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