Words

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

A pickleball paddle and ball on a court.

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.

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.

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

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.)

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

And how do chauvinism and jingoism factor in?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.)

Their etymologies, unearthed.

The 10 Word Pronunciations People Are Searching for Most

Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?

Why Is It Called “Green Goddess” Dressing?

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

Definition Detective Quiz #45

Definition Detective Quiz #44

Why Is It Called “Iceberg” Lettuce?

What’s the Difference Between Patriotism and Nationalism?

Who’s the Monty of ‘The Full Monty’?

The State Names That Are Hardest to Pronounce, Mapped

Definition Detective Quiz #43

The Right Way to Pronounce ‘Worcestershire Sauce’

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

What Does ‘Fubar’ Mean?

11 Little-Known Words for Specific Family Members

Why Is ‘Jack’ a Nickname for ‘John’?

Definition Detective Quiz #42

Definition Detective Quiz #41

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

Definition Detective Quiz #40

Why Do We Say “Throw Down the Gauntlet”?

Why Is It Called a “Spud Wrench”?

Why Is It Called a “Hot Dog”?

The Multi-Faceted Origins of 12 Birthstone Names