Mental Floss

NEWS









His name is probably not actually Fido.

“Fido” is a name that has become synonymous with all things dog. But where did the name come from?

Meredith Danko
A detail of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I painted to commemorate the defeat of the Spanish Armada (depicted in the background).

She spoke multiple languages, defeated Spain’s powerful navy, and never accepted a marriage proposal. Discover more fascinating facts about Queen Elizabeth I and her reign.

Editorial Staff
Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is a common anesthetic that only requires a mask over the mouth and nose.

Anesthesia is a complex mixture of medications that lessen pain during procedures. Different types affect the body in different ways.

CaLea Johnson








These corners could use a good sweep.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Ellen Gutoskey








See if you can decipher this twisted tune.

We ran the lyrics of a hit song through multiple languages, then translated them back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

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