Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

Streetlights aren’t supposed to be purple.

The emo vibe isn’t an aesthetic choice—it’s the result of degrading infrastructure.

California wildfires: Firefighters struggle with strained water system

News reports warn about the Santa Ana winds and their power to turn modest wildfires into conflagrations. Here’s why these wind patterns in Southern California can be so destructive.

The Stillson wrench revolutionized plumbing.

The imposing pipe wrench with teeth was once made out of wood.

They're a must-have in the wintertime for a reason.

Are snow tires really worth it? Discover the real differences with all-season tires, including affordability, rubber tread, and more.

Not dairy.

What are eggs, really? It's complicated.

MRSA bacteria bound to a neutrophil, a type of infection-fighting white blood cell.

Public health officials are concerned that we could move back into a situation like that of the early 20th century, before antibiotics were discovered.

Here‘s how to keep your canine clean and happy.

The answer varies based on your pet‘s coat, activity, and skin type.

What’s a wazoo, and why do we invoke it?

On the possible origins of ‘wazoo,’ and why things are said to tumble out of it.

They're not just for show.

Discover more about the origins of toenails—plus the real reasons why your toenails may be getting thicker and changing colors.

Happy 2025!

Every time a new year rolls around, people set out to better themselves. But why do we make these promises to ourselves, and where did this tradition come from? We can start by blaming the ancient Babylonians.

There‘s a time and place for black tea (left) and herbal tea (right).

“Caffeine-free tea” isn't actually tea at all.

Customers can sometimes be entitled.

The proverb that empowers rude shoppers has been going strong for over a century. Who’s to blame?

A dish of Hoppin’ John is a delicious way to start the new year.

The humble black-eyed pea has become a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Southern New Year's traditions.

Don’t look up.

Frozen precipitation comes in many forms, and they all pose unique threats.

Drop this fact at your New Year’s Eve party.

The meaning of ‘ring in the New Year’ is now mostly metaphorical, but it used to involve literal ringing.

Even Toyotas had pop-up headlights.

The ‘hidden headlamps’ were having a moment. Then pesky pedestrian safety cramped their style.

Next time someone confuses the two drinks, you‘ll know how to correct them.

Don’t let wine aficionados hear you confuse these two sparkling beverages.

She's probably looking at one of our map or dog pieces.

Content about maps, fascinating facts about everyday objects, language, and dogs was a hit among Mental Floss readers this year.

Experts say that it pays to proceed with caution.

Worried about the health risks that come with shoveling show? Here's what you need to know, plus a few tips for how to do it safely.

5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ...1!

The ritual of marking time until the new year hits is a relatively recent phenomenon. It also has a lot to do with NASA.

A delicious stack of pancakes.

What is a flapjack? If you’re in England, it’s not a fluffy round cake made from batter and fried in a pan.

Some people have the worst luck.

If you’ve ever been jinxed into owing someone a soda, you should know why.

How do these two famous vampires compare?

Ahead of Robert Eggers’s adaptation of ‘Nosferatu,’ here’s a breakdown of the differences and similarities between the two iconic bloodsuckers.

Pink slips have had a lot of different meanings over the years.

Getting laid off has long been associated with getting a fancy pink invitation to the unemployment line. Why?