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Here’s (at least) one interesting way station each of these common words made on its journey to the present day, whether it’s an analysis of the Latin roots, a hypothesis about a proto-Indo-European origin, or a pivotal change in meaning.

Jon Mayer


There are around 2.5 million used, new, and rare books housed inside New York City's multiple Strand Bookstore locations.

In honor of Independent Bookstore Day, we've picked the best bookshop in every state—plus a few others we loved. Did your favorite make the list?

mentalfloss .com


The Stone of Scone in the Coronation Chair.

The Stone of Scone—also called the Stone of Destiny—may look unassuming, but it’s had a long and colorful history, right up to the present day.

Samantha Drake




Disney waved goodbye to these discontinued foods.

While some foodie favorites like churros and Mickey ice cream bars have been staples for years, other beloved treats have been unceremoniously yanked from menus.

Stacy Conradt










Admont Abbey Library in Admont, Austria is the largest monastic library in the world.

Libraries are a reader’s best friend. In honor of National Library Week, here are 25 things you might not know about these hallowed halls of book worship.

Jake Rossen






Mattel's latest Barbie offering.

The company worked in tandem with the National Down Syndrome Society to craft a doll that's reflective and respectful of those with the condition, which affects roughly one in 772 children born in the U.S.

Jake Rossen
Photo illustration by Mental Floss. Images: iStock/Customdesigner (TV), iStock/D-Keine (crime scene)

Everywhere you turn these days, it seems like there’s a new—and wildly successful—book, podcast, or show devoted to a crime. Which raises the question: Why are we so obsessed with true crime? Here’s what the experts have to say.

Erin McCarthy