Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

Sorry cat, the secret is out.

Cats do fart—but their flatulence is usually quiet. Veterinarians explain why.

Don’t trust a sleepover schemer.

Pranksters claim putting someone’s hand in warm water while they sleep will make them wet the bed. Does this actually work?

This little symbol has a fascinating history.

From what an ampersand symbol is to where it came from, here's what you need to know about this little symbol's surprisingly long history.

There's a good reason you don't see baby pigeons.

To city dwellers, it might seem that pigeons multiply magically: All the birds swooping down at us, or scurrying out of the way when we walk, are fully grown. How come we never see baby pigeons anywhere?

If you really want to know ...

If you really want to know …

Muffins appreciate a preheated oven.

You should preheat the oven to whatever temperature the recipe says—but here’s what’ll happen (or won’t happen) if you don’t.

Your plants will thank you.

Once you’ve learned a few key things about your garden, you’ll know how often you should grab a hose and start watering.

The St. Edward's Crown (left) and the Imperial State Crown.

King Charles III will only get to don the iconic St. Edward’s Crown for a moment—here’s why.

Let's go inside the mysterious infrastructure that stores our water.

Let’s go inside the mysterious infrastructure that stores our water.

This person is definitely not in New Jersey.

It’s for your own good—or at least that’s the theory.

Ever wonder what you're supposed to be minding when your mind your p's and q's?

Does it have to do with pea coats? Or maybe Latin scribes?

'Did you say the third floor?'

Want to find out who your real friends are? Ask them to help you move a mattress.

New England clam chowder is the seafood soup most diners are familiar with.

Manhattan and New England clam chowder are two of the most divisive dishes in American cuisine.

One, two...

“Ripping off the Band-Aid” is a well-worn idiom. When you want to break bad news, it’s better to just do it quickly; the same goes for anything prompting any ki

Ketchup, catsup. Tomato, tomahto.

Tomato, tomahto.

"Am I at an exhibit or an exhibition?"

You just went to an art exhibit. Or was it an exhibition?

King Charles III.

They have one, but don't often use it.

Are we still doing this or not?

“Hands-only CPR” has gained popularity in recent years. So what is it, and when should you use it?

A little humidity can be a good thing.

High temperatures, low humidity, and lots of wind are prime red flag warning weather.

How loud a fart is depends on a couple of factors.

Farts can make a lot of different noises. Some are high and squeaky, while others explode like a car backfiring—and some don’t make any noise at all.

Swimming is an all-body workout—bladder included.

Going for a dip? You'll probably have a wee bit of trouble. Here's why.

France's starting lineup with their "mascots" ahead of a match against Poland during the 2022 World Cup.

The pint-sized escorts have been a part of the pregame ceremonies since the mid-1990s.

Judge Judy really was a judge for family court.

While Judith Sheindlin was once a real, live judge, she’s not acting as one on her show.

Some music literally gives you goosebumps—what's up with that?

When your playlist strikes all the right chords, your body can go on a physiological joyride.