Why Did Pirates Wear Eye Patches?
Did pirates wear eye patches to see better in the dark? Find out the truth behind the iconic style choice.
Did pirates wear eye patches to see better in the dark? Find out the truth behind the iconic style choice.
According to some strange old theories about the origins of birthmarks, a blemish on your behind meant you had the mark of the devil.
The origins of Ireland's ‘Emerald Isle’ nickname trace back to the 18th-century physician, poet, and activist who penned the poem “When Erin First Rose.”
From beer floods to meat showers, history is full of peculiar—and putrid—disasters.
Bodybuilder Eugen Sandow delighted Victorian audiences with his toned physique and weightlifting skills. But his statue at the British Museum didn’t last long.
Plagiarism is a bad idea in any setting, but some of history’s most vaunted writers have been caught stealing.
Nonce words are only meant to serve one particular purpose—here are some of the best examples.
The U.S. government is constantly moving its nuclear weapons from one facility to another, which means you may have passed one on the highway without even realizing it.
The 1924 list of most popular baby names has a few (but not many) things in common with today's trends.
Elizabeth Fry championed prison reform, particularly for women and children, in 19th-century England.
Why is February spelled the way it is? Delve into the linguistic evolution of the month’s name and its journey from Latin to modern English.
Plagued by oral issues, the British prime minister carried two sets of dentures with him at all times.
Robert Burns was voted the greatest Scot over iconic warrior William Wallace in a 2009 poll.
From what inspired Candyman and the Mothman to the tales about alligators in the sewers and killers calling from inside the house, we're breaking down the origins of popular urban legends.
We celebrate Black History Month every February to recognize the amazing impact African American people have had on our culture. Read on for more about this tradition's origins.
These famous couples (and some lesser famous ones) didn’t mince words in their breakup letters.
Since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated in February—and it's because of two specific dates on the calendar.
Burns Night isn't the only thing named after Robert Burns. Streets, towns, and monuments throughout the world were christened in his honor.
There’s a surprisingly rich history at the root of this hair accessory.
Modern technology has helped these dolls find their voices—and when they speak, it’s downright creepy.
Did you know that famous figures like Thomas Edison and Salvador Dalí were avid nappers? Learn more about their unique napping habits and the benefits they experienced here.
Why are we still employing a kiss-off that references a near-obsolete form of transportation?
Ginnie and Ranulph Fiennes's Transglobe Expedition circled the globe—just not the normal way.
Grab your best china plate (a.k.a. mate) and feast your mince pies (otherwise known as your eyes) on these fascinating and delightful terms in this guide to Cockney rhyming slang.