Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

If they were in separate glasses without their cans, could you tell them apart?

What’s the Difference Between Diet Soda and Zero-Sugar Soda?

Are Diet Coke and Coke Zero really that different? Here are the differences and health factors in the diet soda vs. zero-sugar soda debate.

Elf, gnome, or an eccentric child?

Elf vs. Gnome: What's the Difference?

These two tiny titans of folklore might appear similar, but they couldn't be more different.

We’ve all been there.

Why Is It So Hard to Sleep in a New Place?

Whether you’re at a hotel on a business trip or crashing at a relative’s house for the holidays, getting quality sleep on the first few nights can be a challenge. Here’s why.

Not a snack.

Why Do So Many Products Come With ‘Do Not Eat’ Packets?

And what happens if you chow down on one anyway?

Why Do Christmas Crackers Come With Paper Crowns?

Let’s crack the history wide open.

Christmas trees are an essential part of the holiday.

How Did Evergreen Trees Become a Christmas Symbol?

Discover the origins of the Christmas tree tradition that brings joy to millions each season.

You'd be surprised about a few of these theories.

Why Are Red and Green the Colors of Christmas?

While there may be no definite consensus on how red and green became the official colors of Christmas, there are a few interesting explanations.

Not a window in sight.

Why Don’t Casinos Have Windows?

Most casinos lack windows, and gamblers like it that way.

Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions.

Why Do the Lions and Cowboys Always Play on Thanksgiving?

Why do the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always take to the field for a Thanksgiving football game? Because it’s tradition! But how did this tradition begin?

See that crispy texture? That’s the Maillard Reaction.

Why Do We Cook So Many Foods at 350 Degrees?

There’s science behind that seemingly random number.

The computer room, apparently.

Living Room vs. Family Room vs. Den: What’s the Difference?

You can binge Netflix in any room you like, but there are some key differences between these living areas.

Fences have a little something to do with it.

Where Does the Phrase ‘Beyond the Pale’ Come From?

To get to the answer, we need to discuss Latin, wooden stakes, Catherine the Great, and, of course, Shakespeare.

The meaning behind “phony“ has to do with fake jewelry.

Why Does ’Phony’ Mean Fake?

The origins of the term come from the Irish word for “ring.”

As far as cucumbers go, they're getting the royal treatment.

Why Do English Cucumbers Come Wrapped in Plastic?

English cucumbers have a few qualities that make them superior to regular cucumbers, but one causes some problems, too.

Start counting.

How Many Continents Are There?

You may have been taught that Earth has seven continents. Or is it six? Or eight?

Returns can be a costly proposition for retailers.

Where Do Online Orders Go When You Return Them?

The fate of your unwanted air fryer, explained.

Members of Robert Falcon Scott's 1910-1913 expedition to reach the South Pole.

Frostbite vs. Hypothermia: What’s the Difference?

Here's how to tell frostbite symptoms from hypothermia symptoms.

They are several differences between the two.

Tsunami vs. Tidal Wave: What’s the Difference?

Tsunamis and tidal waves may look similar, but they differ in crucial ways.

They come in handy in more ways than one.

What Do Dryer Sheets Actually Do?

Whether you’re trying to get rid of wrinkles or reduce static electricity, dryer sheets can be useful in more ways than you might expect.

Safety matters.

Should You Remove Your Dog’s Collar When at Home?

There are several important factors to take into consideration. And if your dog does wear a collar, you need to make sure it fits well and is safe.

A dish of homemade cranberry deliciousness.

Why Do We Eat Cranberry Sauce on Thanksgiving?

Your Thanksgiving cranberry sauce—be it homemade or Ocean Spray’s canned classic—is all part of America’s history.

So cute.

Why Do Cats Cover Their Faces While Sleeping?

There are several reasons why cats have this adorable habit.

Football referee.

What Do Referees Do Between Periods of a Game?

Spoiler alert: They’re not just sitting around.

Are the flags flying for Memorial Day or Veterans Day? Sometimes, it's tough to say.

What’s the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are meant to celebrate military veterans, but there's one important distinction you should remember.