BIG QUESTIONS

Presidents Day vs. President’s Day vs. Presidents’ Day: Which One Is It?

The apostrophe in Presidents Day—or President's Day or Presidents's Day—is all over the place ... or nowhere to be found at all.

This picture contains clues to the big cat’s identity.

What’s the Difference Between Jaguars and Leopards?

Learn how to “spot” the differences between jaguars and leopards based on their anatomy, behavior, and geographic ranges.

Why Do We Say ‘Sweat Like a Pig’?

Swine don‘t really sweat much. So why do we associate them with being nervous?

A map of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 showing where the fire burned.

Did a Cow Really Cause the Great Chicago Fire of 1871?

Many believed the origin of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a cow kicking over a lantern. A map of the fire’s path suggested otherwise.

Wallabies vs. Kangaroos: What’s the Difference?

Are wallabies kangaroos? Learn about the family connection and physical traits that set them apart in the animal kingdom.

Is your neighbor acting strangely? Must be a full moon.

Does the Full Moon Really Make People Act Strangely?

Along with Mercury in retrograde, the full moon is a pretty popular scapegoat for bad luck and bizarre behavior. Is it warranted?

There’s more to frogs versus toads than meets the eye.

What’s the Difference Between Frogs and Toads?

Are frogs and toads really that different? Get the facts on their appearance, habitats, and breeding habits and learn how to tell them apart.

Why Do We Call the Seasons Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter?

Uncover the intriguing history of how the seasons got their names and the meanings behind them.

What’s the Difference Between Bobcats and Lynx?

Both cats live in North America. Here's how to tell the difference between the two wild felines.

The Super Bowl has a unique numbering system.

Why Does the Super Bowl Use Roman Numerals?

The National Football League doesn’t want to confuse you.

This person is literally feeling their oats—but is that where the phrase came from?

Where Does the Phrase ‘Feeling One’s Oats’ Come From?

The idiom has little to do with playing with our food and more to do with equine diets.

Would a smell by any other name evoke such delight?

What Exactly Is ‘New Car Smell’?

Discover the science behind that irresistible “new car smell”—and whether it need to roll down your windows.

Why in tarnation do we think Yosemite Sam always said "tarnation"?

What in Tarnation Is ‘Tarnation’?

The origins and meaning of 'tarnation' are simple; its 'Looney Tunes' legacy is anything but.

A pirate flag with the distinctive eyewear.

Why Did Pirates Wear Eye Patches?

Did pirates wear eye patches to see better in the dark? Find out the truth behind the iconic style choice.

What Are Those Weird White Stripes You See on the Road in Winter?

Those mysterious white lines you often see on the road right before a storm aren't just for show.

What’s the Correct Pronunciation of ‘February’?

In the United States, the most common pronunciation is “FEB-yoo-air-ee.” Both Merriam-Webster and American Heritage dictionaries consider the common pronunciation correct, along with the less common, more traditional standard “FEB-roo-air-ee.”

You've probably been within spitting distance of a nuclear warhead without even realizing it.

See How the U.S. Government Transports Its Nuclear Weapons

The U.S. government is constantly moving its nuclear weapons from one facility to another, which means you may have passed one on the highway without even realizing it.

Why Is ‘February’ Spelled So Strangely?

Why is February spelled the way it is? Delve into the linguistic evolution of the month’s name and its journey from Latin to modern English.

Barking at nothing is a popular dog pastime.

Why Do Dogs Bark at Nothing?

Barking into the abyss is a frequent complaint of pet owners, but there's an explanation. (And no, it's not aliens.)

Why Was February Chosen to Celebrate Black History Month?

Since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated in February—and it's because of two specific dates on the calendar.

Why Do We Call Them Bobby Pins?

There’s a surprisingly rich history at the root of this hair accessory.

Where Does the Phrase ‘… And the Horse You Rode in On’ Come From?

Why are we still employing a kiss-off that references a near-obsolete form of transportation?

Where Does the Word ‘Née’ Come From?

Née’s meaning is technically “born,” and we borrowed it from the same place we got the terms ‘déjà vu’ and ‘cul-de-sac.’

Arenas and stadiums have some key differences.

What’s the Difference Between an Arena and a Stadium?

Seating capacity is just one part of it.

PREV NEXT