MISCONCEPTIONS

7 Misconceptions About Funerals

From funeral homes only using hearses to transport bodies to having to wear black to a memorial service, we’re laying some common myths about funerals to rest in the latest episode of ‘Misconceptions.’

6 Misconceptions About Sex

Blue balls? Broken hymens? Popping your cherry? We’re covering all the topics you’ve always wondered about but were too embarrassed to ask.

9 Misconceptions About Popular Songs and Misheard Lyrics

Pop songs get misinterpreted all the time, and we're here to break down the real stories behind your favorite bops, from Nirvana to Bruce Springsteen.

Misconceptions About College

On this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd breaks down some higher-level myths. If your professor is 15 minutes late, are you really allowed to leave? How important is picking the right major in college?

The not-so-commonly-worn poodle skirt and saddle shoes combo. / Michele Quattrin / Getty

10 Misconceptions About the 1950s

The ‘50s weren't all nuclear families with white picket fences and questionable Jell-o recipes.

Who said disco sucks? A lot of people, apparently. / Image Source: McHugh via Getty

Wild Misconceptions About the 1970s

Were the '70s really the height of disco, punk, and the sexual revolution? Host Justin Dodd investigates in this episode of “Misconceptions."

9 Misconceptions About the FBI

Can FBI agents really take over crime scenes? Do they hunt serial killers? Find out in this list of common FBI misconceptions.

The Southernmost part of the United States (or not).

Wild Misconceptions About Florida

Florida is known for its alligator sightings, weird crimes, and Disney World. But how much of what you think you know about the Sunshine State is true?

Cave Paintings / Gonzalo Azumendi via Getty

Surprising Misconceptions About Early Humans

In this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd breaks down some common myths about our early human ancestors—and what makes our species, Homo sapiens, so different from them.

Common Misconceptions About OCD

Having an intrusive thought doesn’t mean you have OCD.

An Amish family gathers for a meal around their kitchen table.

8 Misconceptions About the Amish

You might not realize that the Amish sometimes drive in cars and operate power tools.

There was something for every type of reader on MentalFloss.com in 2023.

Our 25 Most Popular Stories of 2023

Once again, Mental Floss readers proved to be curious about all sorts of niche topics—and our editors and writers were happy to oblige their interests.

There’s hope for your New Year’s resolution past January.

1 Misconception About 9 Major Holidays

We celebrate the same holidays every year, but how much do we actually know about these annual traditions? And how much of what we think we know is actually true?

Think a human always has 206 bones? Think again.

4 Big Misconceptions About the Human Body

Considering how familiar we all are with the human body—since we all have one—there is a surprising number of enduring myths about it.

The massive megafauna of the Ice Age / Getty / VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SPL

Misconceptions About the Ice Age

In this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd thaws out a few myths about the ice age, from the idea that Earth was once frozen solid to what actually caused the mammoths’ extinction.

Good ol' Depression-era fun. / Hulton Deutsch via Getty

Misconceptions About the Great Depression

The Great Depression was caused by the 1929 stock market crash and plunged the entire country into poverty … right? Maybe not.

A detail of the Chi Rho monogram in the Book of Kells, a priceless illustrated manuscript from the Middle Ages.

5 Misconceptions About the Middle Ages

The medieval era wasn’t just a bunch of flat Earthers feasting and jousting.

*Insert Jaws theme here* / Alexyz3d via Shutterstock

Wild Misconceptions About Sharks

In this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd debunks some myths about these great beasts of the ocean, from whether punching them in the nose is a valid defense tactic to the events that inspired 'Jaws.'

Someone tell this architect that he isn't actually required to draw. / Hinterhaus Productions / Getty

1 Misconception About 50 Professions

Most people only work a handful of different jobs in their lifetime, which means they might get their knowledge of other careers from TV and movies. That opens the door to a lot of misconceptions about a lot of different professions.

Should she drink about seven more of those?

5 Misconceptions about Health and Wellness

How much water should you really drink a day? Well, it’s complicated.

6 Misconceptions About the Roman Empire

Did Julius Caesar really say “Et tu, Brute?” Did Nero fiddle while Rome burned? What was with the togas? We answer these questions and more.

6 Misconceptions About the ’90s

We debunk myths from the last decade of the 20th century, from fraudulent Furby fears to some misinformation around the era’s most famous trial.

10 Misconceptions About Serial Killers

How smart do you really need to be to get away with murder?

8 Misconceptions About Japan

Not all Japanese game shows feature life-threatening challenges, and not all ramen lovers slurp loudly. Let's debunk a few more misconceptions about Japan.