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A Brief History of “Auld Lang Syne”
On New Year’s Eve, after the ball has dropped, revelers queue up “Auld Lang Syne”—that song that makes you cry, even though you don’t understand it and know almost none of the words.
NEWS
The 15 Best (and Worst) U.S. Cities for Single People
Looking for love? Your geography may (or may not) be doing you any favors.
Tune Twist Quiz #23
It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?
How Did Pound Cake Get Its Name?
The original formula for pound cake was impossible to forget.
18 Old-Timey Words and Terms to Use On New Year’s Eve
Get bugged up and enjoy some laughing soup until you’re in your airs!
What‘s the Difference Between Hail, Sleet, and Freezing Rain?
Frozen precipitation comes in many forms, and they all pose unique threats.
10 of the Most Popular Street Foods Around the World
From tacos to phở, Spanish empanadas, and everything in between, discover the most iconic street foods that the world just can’t seem to get enough of, according to TikTok.
This Handy Chart Tells You When It’s Too Cold to Walk Your Dog
Dogs have built-in fur coats, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get chilly during their winter walks.
10 Wild and Weird New Year’s Eve TV Moments
A look back at some of the times that the small screen celebrated the year’s end in unpredictable fashion.
Can You Guess the Famous Company’s Original Name?
Major brands don’t always get it right the first time.
Why Do We ‘Ring In’ the New Year?
The meaning of ‘ring in the New Year’ is now mostly metaphorical, but it used to involve literal ringing.
Odd Lang Syne: 7 Creepy New Year’s Superstitions That’ll Keep You Up Past Midnight
Some New Year’s superstitions and traditions are spookier than others, but these are some of those most memorable from around the world.
11 Things You Might Not Know About Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100. He was one of the most esteemed humanitarians ever to hold the office. He was also once chased by a wild rabbit.
20 of the Most Valuable Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys
TMNT collectible toys are still a hot commodity on sites like eBay, but retro figures like Undercover Raphael rake in the most bucks.
Why Don't Cars Have Pop-Up Headlights Anymore?
The ‘hidden headlamps’ were having a moment. Then pesky pedestrian safety cramped their style.
What‘s the Kennection? #147
All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?
15 Ancient Cities You Can Still Visit
Make sure your passport is current, book your flight, and let yourself imagine the lives of the people who called these ancient cities home.
Champagne vs. Prosecco: What’s the Difference?
Don’t let wine aficionados hear you confuse these two sparkling beverages.
9 Festive Facts about Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year’s Celebration
Celebrating the New Year is a big deal in Scotland.
Why Is It So Hard to Go Back to Work After a Vacation?
Lots of people experience the “post-holiday blues” or post-vacation depression. Here’s how to identify the signs and overcome the dread of returning to work.
Our 15 Most Popular Stories of 2024
Content about maps, fascinating facts about everyday objects, language, and dogs was a hit among Mental Floss readers this year.
Is It Really Possible To Have a Heart Attack Shoveling Snow?
Worried about the health risks that come with shoveling show? Here's what you need to know, plus a few tips for how to do it safely.
18 of the Most Memorable New Year-Themed TV Episodes
Revisit classic New Year-themed episodes of beloved TV shows like ‘Friends,’ ‘The Office,’ ‘30 Rock,’ ‘The X-Files,’ ‘M.A.S.H.,’ and beyond.
The Fleeting Fame of the New Year’s Baby
New Year’s babies used to get showered with gifts and prizes, but today their fame is fleeting.