WORDS

Hundreds and hundreds of facts are in this picture.

Mental Floss’s 2026 Desk Calendars Are for Word Nerds and Fact Fans of All Kinds

Our Amazing Facts 2026 calendar features fun facts from all areas, while the Word Nerd 2026 calendar is especially for language lovers.

Definition Detective Quiz #45

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

Definition Detective Quiz #44

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

Crunchy. Leafy. Exploding with flavor. (Just kidding.)

Why Is It Called “Iceberg” Lettuce?

Let’s explore the origins of America's most disrespected lettuce.

What’s the Difference Between Patriotism and Nationalism?

And how do chauvinism and jingoism factor in?

You could call this “the full monty”—but was it the original use of the phrase?

Who’s the Monty of ‘The Full Monty’?

The original meaning of ‘the full monty’ may involve a hearty breakfast or a three-piece suit.

The State Names That Are Hardest to Pronounce, Mapped

Plus, a map of the state names that are hardest to spell.

Definition Detective Quiz #43

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

The Right Way to Pronounce ‘Worcestershire Sauce’

What it is, why it’s called that, and how to say it correctly.

Why Is It Called “New York-Style” Cheesecake?

All cheesecake is delicious. So why should you opt for New York-style over any other kind?

Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 2023 premiere of 'FUBAR,' season 1.

What Does ‘Fubar’ Mean?

The Arnold Schwarzenegger–starring Netflix series takes its title from World War II military slang. Here’s what 'fubar' means.

11 Little-Known Words for Specific Family Members

The words we use for family members in English are specific about some things, but vague about others. These words will help fill in the gaps.

Why Is ‘Jack’ a Nickname for ‘John’?

Here’s the invisible etymology that turned Johns into Jacks.

Definition Detective Quiz #42

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

Definition Detective Quiz #41

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

Where Did the Phrase ‘Beat Around the Bush’ Come From?

Here’s a hint: It has a little something to do with hunting.

Definition Detective Quiz #40

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

If you see a knight wearing a gauntlet, pray he keeps it on.

Why Do We Say “Throw Down the Gauntlet”?

A knight throwing down his glove in Medieval Europe meant serious business.

Why Is It Called a “Spud Wrench”?

The etymology of the ironworking tool comes with a slight twist.

The lore behind America's favorite ballpark snack is pretty fascinating.

Why Is It Called a “Hot Dog”?

Discover the curious origins of America’s favorite ballpark snack and why it’s called a “hot dog” to begin with. (Spoiler: It doesn’t involve any literal dog meat.)

The Multi-Faceted Origins of 12 Birthstone Names

Their etymologies, unearthed.

Definition Detective Quiz #39

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

Despite the name, it’s completely alcohol-free.

How Did Root Beer Get Its Name?

This classic American soda started as a brewed tea made from a potentially toxic plant.

The Most Commonly Misspelled Word in Each State

Can you guess which word’s spelling your state needs to double-check?