WORDS

5 Common Terms You Didn’t Know Were Named After People

In the latest episode of The List Show, we’re covering some eponyms you might not have realized were eponyms, from ‘mesmerize’ to ‘pants.’

Definition Detective Quiz #48

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

You’re a few words away from being able to order a caipirinha with confidence.

14 Alcoholic Drink Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Here’s how to say everything from liquors like cachaça to brands like Moët.

Some words seem like they must come from the same source—but they don’t.

12 Surprising Word Pairs That Sound Related—But Aren’t

Think ‘human’ was created by slapping ‘hu-’ on ‘man’? Think again: ‘Man’ and ‘human’ aren’t related at all—and they’re just one example of words that seem like they must be linked, but turn out to have nothing in common once you dig into their etymology.

Deadbolts are a pretty good theft deterrent.

Why Is It Called a “Deadbolt”?

Our favorite type of door lock has a somewhat morbid name.

25 Words That Don’t Mean What They Used To

It’s to be expected that the words we use will change and develop over time. In some instances, these developments can lead to words gaining new meanings entirely different from their original ones.

The cocoon is on the left and the chrysalis is on the right.

Chrysalis vs. Cocoon vs. Pupa: What’s the Difference?

Confused about pupae, chrysalises, and cocoons? Discover the key differences between these metamorphic terms.

The Right Way to Pronounce ‘Uranus,’ According to Experts

Here’s how scientists and other credible sources pronounce the planet Uranus’s name.

Definition Detective Quiz #47

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

11 Words for People Who Hate Certain Things

Everyone hates something. And there’s probably a word for that.

Why Is It Called a “Sledgehammer”?

The favorite tool of HGTV hosts, explained.

Definition Detective Quiz #46

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

The phrase can be traced back to a Romantic poet.

Where Does the Term ‘The Birds and The Bees’ Come From?

Birds and bees get all the action—and Samuel Taylor Coleridge was jealous. Here are the possible origins of the euphemistic phrase.

25 Foreign Words With Hilarious Literal Meanings

Beware of "paper vampires" and "ghost breath"! There‘s a lot that can be lost—and found—in translation.

The 10 Word Pronunciations People Are Searching for Most

If you have a hard time pronouncing croissant, you‘re not alone.

A pickleball paddle and ball on a court.

Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?

Forget what you’ve heard about a dog—here’s the real story behind the origins of the name ‘pickleball.’

Veggies and Green Goddess dressing are a delicious combination.

Why Is It Called “Green Goddess” Dressing?

Yes, it’s green, but eating it may not make you feel like a health goddess.

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.