Mental Floss

NEWS

Go ahead—belch.

We’ve used the term ‘rat’ to refer to an informer since approximately 1910. But criminals have had many more names for snitches over the years.

Erin McCarthy






Mark your calendars!

There are a few reasons—including a little something to do with the horse and buggy. Find out more about the history of Election Day.

Erin McCarthy


















The St. Augustine globster washed ashore in 1896.

Though these marine mysteries are often solved, globsters—unidentified organic masses that wash up on beaches—continue to capture the public’s imagination.

Michele Debczak