Mental Floss

NEWS

African American English derives from a historical past of contact between multiple language speakers. It varies across age, ethnicity, class, and gender. There is more than one AAE.

African descendants in the U.S. have been speaking varieties of English, today known as African American Language (AAL), for many centuries. Here's what you should know.

Renée Blake, Kimberley Baxter
Groundhog handler John Griffiths holding Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day 2020.

The history of Groundhog Day stretches back hundreds of years. But, as it turns out, the furry animal isn’t the best at getting the forecast right.

Scott Beggs






















Portrait Session With Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison has written some of literature’s most enduring classics, from 'The Bluest Eye' to 'Beloved' and beyond. Here's what you need to know about the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

Rachelle Saint-Louis


Have a cozy night indoors with these relaxing candles.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a cozy night in with the best soy wax candles from Mrs. Meyer’s, Homesick Candles, and other top brands.

Lauren Dana
Love gives you a boost in several ways.

Love can have some pretty great perks: the emotion offers mental and physical benefit to our bodies. Here are eight aspects of life that get a boost when our hearts are full.

Jennifer Billock