Big Questions Trivia, Quizzes, and Brain Teasers

Big Questions

Big Question

Do Flies Really Have 24-Hour Lifespans?

“I’ve only got 24 hours of living, and I ain’t gonna waste ‘em here!” groans a disgruntled housefly during a hilarious scene in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. But do those pesky insects really brandish a day-long life expectancy?... READ ON

Big Question

Do Cows Moo in Different Accents?

Reader Erica emailed to say, “I heard on Twitter, from one of those 'amazing facts' accounts, that cows moo in regional accents. Is that true?”... READ ON

Big Question

Why Is Pee Yellow?

Let’s part the underpants-shaped veil surrounding urination information. Let’s learn about peeing.... READ ON

Big Question

Which Came First: Airplanes or Paper Airplanes?

Sean Hutchinson answers today's Big Question.... READ ON

Big Question

What's the Difference Between Antlers and Horns?

Big Question

Why is Connecticut Called the “Nutmeg State”?

Technically, it’s not. Connecticut’s “official nickname”—there is such a thing—is the “Constitution State” because of historian John Fiske’s claim that the Fundamental Orders of 1638/1639 were the first written constitution in history.... READ ON

Big Question

Why Do We Call Parrots "Polly"?

The generic name “Pol” for a parrot can be traced back to England since at least the early 1600s. In his 1606 comedy Volpone, Renaissance playwright—and close friend of William Shakespeare—Ben Jonson assigned many of the characters animal personas which reflected their true nature. The cunning title character, for example, is a fox, while his parasitic manservant is a fly.... READ ON

Big Question

What’s the Oldest Trick in the Book?

Magicians have been practicing their craft for ages, but what’s the first magic trick that was recorded for posterity?... READ ON

Big Question

Why Were the Oscars Created?

"I found that the best way to handle [filmmakers] was to hang medals all over them."... READ ON

Big Question

Why Are There Only 28 Days in February?

Some believe February once boasted 29 days and that Augustus Caesar stole a day so he could add it to August, which was named for him. (If there’s a month named after you, why not milk it?) But that’s a myth.... READ ON