BIG QUESTIONS

Break out the dictionary and start counting.

How Many Words Are There in the English Language?

It’s complicated—and there are more questions than answers.

Why Is It Called a “Hamburger” If It Doesn’t Contain Ham?

Here's how the hamburger came by its misleading name.

A major thunderstorm is about to blow over this vineyard.

Scattered vs. Isolated Thunderstorms: What’s the Difference?

Meteorologists convey the chance of cloud cover or rain in percentages, but what those numbers mean in the real world isn’t always clear—so you’ll often hear terms like ‘scattered’ and ‘isolated’ to describe thunderstorms.

The open road is the last place you want to be during a tornado.

Should You Ever Park Under an Overpass During a Tornado?

Overpasses are widely seen as safe shelters during a severe weather event. In reality, they're deadly.

Why Is It Called an “Elevator Pitch”?

A quick sales attempt is said to be an “elevator pitch.” But does it actually have anything to do with elevators?

Can a Dead Body Still Get a Suntan?

So, you're dead. Do you still need sunscreen?

Why Are My Shoes Squeaky?

Squeaky shoes can happen for a number of reasons, including friction and moisture. But whether they fart or squeak, here are a few things you can do about that noisy footwear.

Alpacas vs. Llamas: What’s the Difference?

They’re both in the camel family and live in South America, but alpacas and llamas aren’t the same species.

Space has a starting point, but where it begins is still a topic of debate for experts.

Where Does Space Begin?

Some experts believe the Kármán Line is the deciding factor, but others aren't in agreement about where the frontier of space really begins.

Ice Cream vs. Frozen Dairy Dessert: What’s the Difference?

There's an ice cream impostor lurking in grocery stores. Here's why it matters.

Why Do We Call Things “Hot Button” Issues?

The phrase dates back to the 1960s, and has more than one meaning.

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.

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