BIG QUESTIONS

Did Humphrey Bogart Really Hog Joints? (And If Not, Why Do We Say ‘Bogart’?)

This weed slang originated in the 1960s and yep, you can thank Humphrey Bogart for it, but not for reasons you might expect.

Chipmunks vs. Squirrels: What’s the Difference?

Here's some helpful information about where chipmunks and squirrels live, what they eat, what sounds they make, and how to tell them apart visually.

Why Do Babies in Medieval Paintings Look So Scary?

If you’ve ever found yourself chuckling at the angry man-heads on human babies in medieval art, the joke is actually on you.

It’s not one you’re likely to use in everyday conversation—but you will find it in an dictionary.

What’s the Longest Word in English?

Spoiler alert: Despite what you might have heard, it’s not ‘antidisestablishmentarianism.’

We can thank Shakespeare for popularizing it, sort of.

Why Do We Say ‘In a Pickle’?

Contrary to popular belief, Shakespeare wasn’t the one who invented this common idiom. But trying to unravel its origins will land you in a bit of a tricky situation.

Why Do We Call a President’s Wife “First Lady”?

Presidents have had a lot of titles and nicknames, but the wife of every president has one common honorific. Why do we call her “first lady”?

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

The reason maple syrup bottles have little handles involves the word 'skeuomorph.'

Why Is the Unicorn Scotland’s National Animal?

Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. The reason isn’t because Scotland is a nation of unicorn lovers; rather, it’s thanks to the country’s bygone kings.

What Does ‘Wi-Fi’ Stand For? It’s Complicated

If you think 'Wi-Fi' stands for 'wireless fidelity,' you should read this.

We don’t know a lot about where the phrase came from.

What Does the Phrase ‘Keep It Under Your Hat’ Mean?

The phrase has evolved somewhat since its first uses—and its origin is something of a mystery.

What’s the Story Behind Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is recognized around the country as a time to celebrate Mexico’s cultural heritage. Like a lot of days earmarked to commemorate a specific idea or event, its origins can be a little murky. Who started it, and why?

A pixelated version of an illustration by Édouard-Henri Avril from the 1824 book ‘De figuris Veneris.’

The Research Error That Gave Us the Phrase ‘Missionary Position’

The origins of the phrase 'missionary position' involve Alfred Kinsey, some shoddy research, and zero actual missionaries.

Why Do We Call Hit Movies ‘Blockbusters’?

Before the word was used to describe hit movies, ‘blockbusters’ was a nickname for a highly destructive bomb.

Why Do People Drink Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby?

How the bourbon-mint concoction took the horse-racing world by storm.

Wolves vs. Coyotes: What’s the Difference?

Coyotes can sometimes look like wolves from a distance—but there are some key differences between the two species.

Your gut's microbiome can influence everything from digestion to immune health.

Prebiotic vs. Probiotic: What’s the Difference?

Supplements that promise to restore your gut health are everywhere. But not everyone can stomach them.

Why Do Some Songs Fade Out at the End?

Taylor Swift is just the latest in a long line of musicians who like to employ a “fade-out,” where the song gets gradually quieter in the closing seconds.

‘Burned’ vs. ‘Burnt’: What’s the Difference?

‘Burnt’ and ‘burned’ are both acceptable, but they serve different purposes (at least, they do in American English).

What Is Ed Balls Day?

A simple mistake on social media has turned into an internet event celebrated around the world for more than a decade.

Wetness is a battle between cohesive and adhesive forces.

Is Water Wet? The Answer is Surprisingly Elusive

It depends on the properties of water, the definition of wetness, and whether you can trust when your senses inform you if something is wet or not.

Labrador vs. Golden Retriever: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to telling the differences between yellow labradors vs. golden retrievers, it comes down to coat length and colors, body type, and few other key factors.

Why Do Some People Sneeze So Darn Loudly?

Personality and anatomy play a role in determining sneeze volume.

According to some depictions of her, Mother Goose isn't even a bird.

Who Even Is Mother Goose?

Many nursery rhymes are attributed to Mother Goose. But was Mother Goose even a real person?

'Flash in the pan' doesn't mean a literal fire in a pan. But good guess.

Why Do We Call Something a “Flash in the Pan”?

The phrase used to describe a has-been reality star or trend originated on the battlefield.

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