Our 15 Most Popular Stories of 2024

Mental Floss has always been a home for curious content, and we published all sorts of weird and wonderful stories this year, from the strange creatures prowling the pages of medieval bestiaries to the history of Uncrustables. We also honored some big anniversaries, including the 100th anniversary of George Mallory’s final climb up Mount Everest and the 50th anniversary of the hominin fossil Lucy’s discovery.

If there’s one thing we learned in 2024, it’s that our readers love maps. Geography buffs—and perhaps visual learners—were keen to explore the world as explained by all sorts of maps. Our audience was also curious about the everyday items stashed on their shelves and in their pantries.

As in 2023, people loved digging into language, whether it was delving into the meanings of silly-sounding words like tarnation or figuring out which languages people around the world speak or want to learn. And, as we discovered back in 2022, we have a lot of dog lovers in our midst. 

Here’s a look at the stories our readers loved most in 2024.

1. The Most-Spoken Language Besides English and Spanish in Every State, Mapped
2. This Map Shows the Literal Translations of U.S. Place Names
3. What's the Purpose of the Little Strawberry Attached to Pincushions?
4. The Most Popular Song When You Graduated High School
5. The Language That Each City Wants to Learn the Most, Mapped
6. Why Do Hawaiian Soda Cans Have Ridges Around the Top?
7. What in Tarnation Is ‘Tarnation’?
8. What’s the Difference Between Diet Soda and Zero-Sugar Soda?
9. The Most Common Last Name in Every Country, Mapped
10. 6 of the Most Valuable Happy Meal Toys From McDonald’s
11. The Most Popular Dog Breed in Each U.S. State
12. Why Do So Many Maple Syrup Bottles Have a Tiny Little Handle?
13. 100 Weird and Wonderful Medieval Dog Names
14. 15 of History’s Greatest Mysteries
15. The Language Each Country Wants to Learn the Most, Mapped

The Most-Spoken Language Besides English and Spanish in Every State, Mapped

In case you’re wondering which states have a lot of Portuguese- or German-speaking people.

This Map Shows the Literal Translations of U.S. Place Names

Ever been to the state whose name means “Sky-Tinted Water?” What about the one whose name translates to “Friend”?

What's the Purpose of the Little Strawberry Attached to Pincushions?

Sure, that little strawberry fits in with a cute, cottagecore or garden aesthetic. But it also serves an important purpose that helps sewers keep their needles in top shape. The above story explains how.

The Most Popular Song When You Graduated High School

Feeling nostalgic? Take a stroll down memory lane to see which tunes were likely playing at graduation parties the year you finished high school. You’ll definitely want to include your year’s song on the playlist at your next class reunion. 

The Language That Each City Wants to Learn the Most, Mapped

See how your city compares to others around the world.

Why Do Hawaiian Soda Cans Have Ridges Around the Top?

Ever go to Hawaii and take a good look at that soda can you’re sipping at the beach? If so, you may have noticed it has some distinct ridges around the top. We explain why.

What in Tarnation Is ‘Tarnation’?

Spoiler alert: the word did not originate with the Looney Tunes’ Yosemite Sam.

What’s the Difference Between Diet Soda and Zero-Sugar Soda?

Zero-sugar sodas have been on the rise in recent decades. But they aren’t quite the same as the diet sodas that came before them.

The Most Common Last Name in Every Country, Mapped

Is your last name Smith? If so, there’s a good chance you’re from Australia, Canada, or the U.S. 

6 of the Most Valuable Happy Meal Toys From McDonald’s

People are willing to spend a pretty penny on some of the Happy Meal Toys of yore. You may want to hold onto whatever little trinkets your kids get from the Golden Arches—you never know which ones could be worth hundreds in a few decades.

The Most Popular Dog Breed in Each U.S. State

Some regions show a clear, united preference for certain breeds, though some states’ top dog is a bit of a surprise. 

Why Do So Many Maple Syrup Bottles Have a Tiny Little Handle?

Using the tiny handle to pour syrups over your pancake is not a good idea—and it isn’t what the design element is even for.

100 Weird and Wonderful Medieval Dog Names

You won’t find many Arguments, Feetes, Go-bifores, or Welcomes at today’s dog parks.

15 of History’s Greatest Mysteries

You’ll probably want to fall into some history-related Wikipedia rabbit holes after reading this one.

The Language Each Country Wants to Learn the Most, Mapped

See if you can guess how many countries have English as their top choice.

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