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Now that spring is upon us, incorporate these seasonal words into your vocabulary.

The days are getting longer and warmer, and that means it’s the perfect time to pull these fun spring words out of hibernation.

Paul Anthony Jones


Despite what you might have heard (or seen on the big screen), famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart probably wasn’t poisoned by Antonio Salieri—but he did spend time with a young Marie Antoinette and keep a starling as a pet.

Ailsa Ross








These books altered history in ways big and small.

Here, in no particular order, are just a few of history’s most influential tomes—and how they made humanity look at things in a new light.

April Snellings, mentalfloss .com




A sign in Irish on Achill Island in Ireland.

You may hear an "Erin go bragh" or two, but even on the most Irish of holidays, we don't hear much of the Irish language—which is a shame.

Arika Okrent


These sayings are great craic.

Discover the vibrant Irish culture through its language and slang. Learn key phrases to use on St. Paddy’s Day and beyond, from ‘craic’ and ‘sláinte’ to ‘céad míle fáilte’ and ‘may the road rise up to meet you.’

Fiona Moon




These facts about St. Patrick's Day might surprise you.

St. Patrick’s Day used to be a dry holiday in Ireland—and its signature color used to be blue. Read on for more surprising St. Patrick’s facts.

mentalfloss .com


A great white shark.

As the thinking goes, sharks don’t get cancer, so the pills will keep you from getting it, too. But there’s a problem with that theory.

Matt Soniak


Raccoons are smart, dextrous, and in your garbage cans.

Whether they’re scaling skyscrapers or digging through your trash, raccoons are fascinating. Discover more about their habits, diet, and intelligence.

Michele Debczak
Sometimes you just need the eggs.

Where did the idea for a rabbit that gives away eggs really come from? Trace the origins of the Easter bunny, from pagan festivals to the influence of 18th century German immigrants in America.

Matt Soniak