Mental Floss

WORDS



Inventor Elijah McCoy is may or may not be "The Real McCoy."

The popularity of the surname McCoy makes it difficult to pinpoint one origin on the phrase, but here are the leading theories.

Ellen Gutoskey






An illustration of an ancient Yule celebration, as seen in the German newspaper Die Gartenlaube in 1880.

The word "yule" gets thrown around a lot during the Christmas season, but what does it even mean? Well, like so many of the holiday's traditions, its origins are a bit complex.

Austin Thompson
Silk-stocking/iStock via Getty Images

The biggest baby-naming trend of the decade? Ignoring the most popular naming trends. While some names still retain popularity, parents are opting for more unusual names.

Hannah McDonald








Rawf8/iStock via Getty Images

Why call someone an idiot when you can say they're as stupid as a suitcase without a handle? Here's a round-up of French insults you should know.

Davy Diamant
iStock/Sashatigar

It’s possible to get the pants from too much honeyfuggling. Spark some conversation with these vintage and regional terms.

Erin McCarthy




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In February 1919, just a few months after World War 1 ended, a story appeared in the UK's Manchester Guardian called “World War No. 2.”

Meredith Danko




A degree in lexicography can actually hurt your chances of getting the job.

A degree in lexicography can actually hurt your chances of getting the job. Here are some more secrets from the people behind the dictionary.

Michele Debczak