MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Where did this phrase come from, anyway?

Why Do We Say “Trick or Treat” on Halloween?

The origins of the phrase (indirectly) involve smelly cabbage, Donald Duck, and several Canadian journalists.

Prepared horseradish sometimes requires more preparation.

What Exactly Is Horseradish Sauce?

Prepared horseradish and horseradish sauce aren’t the same thing.

Where Did the Term ‘Up to Snuff’ Originate?

Are you not up to snuff when it comes to knowing the origin of ‘up to snuff’? We can help you with that.

The Reason Boston is Called “Beantown”

Among nicknames like “The Athens of America,” “The Cradle of Liberty,” and “The Hub of the Universe,” “Beantown” sounds very out of place.

Rock-hard cookies are bad enough without the presence of actual rocks.

How Do Rocks, Metal, and Other Foreign Materials Get Into Our Food?

A bacteria-related food recall is troubling but understandable. It’s a little weirder when one involves golf balls.

'Tortitude': Why Tortoiseshell and Calico-Patterned Cats Tend to Be Extra Feisty

Is your 'tortie' a sassy monster? You're not alone.

Why Is Sneakily Leaving Called an “Irish” Goodbye or Exit?

What is an Irish goodbye—and why is it called that?

Is Halloween strictly for kids, or is an age cap warranted?

How Old Is Too Old for Trick or Treating?

Some communities have ordinances banning teens from knocking on doors. But are they justified?

Why Do Cats Respond to “Pspsps”?

Cats and “Pspsps” go together like toddlers and the crinkling wrapper of a candy bar that you were trying to eat in secret. What gives?

Union coal miners on strike, August 1, 1993.

The Reason Why People Who Cross Picket Lines Are Called ‘Scabs’

By the late 1700s, laborers adopted the insult to refer to workers who wouldn’t join a strike, a union, or take part in organized labor and undermined their fellow workers.

Why Do Goats Have Such Weird Eyes?

The shape of an animal’s pupils is a clue to its place in the food chain.

The Bizarre (and Blatantly False) Conspiracy Theory That Says the Middle Ages Never Happened

We’re currently living in the year 1725, not 2023. At least, that’s what adherents of the Phantom Time Hypothesis would have you believe. The historical conspiracy theory alleges that the years spanning from 614 to 911 CE never actually happened.

These ramps serve a very important purpose.

How Trucks Use Runaway Ramps in Emergencies

When a truck’s brakes fail, a runaway ramp is sometimes the one thing preventing disaster.

The Reason Why Americans Refer to Autumn as ‘Fall’

The words ‘fall’ and ‘autumn’ appeared around the same time in Great Britain, but only one of the seasonal names is still used there today.

The Mesh Grating on Your Microwave Is Actually an Important Safety Feature

To block microwave radiation, all you need is a simple screen.

Thousand Island vs. Russian Dressing: What’s the Difference?

Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing are two creamy sauces that are often confused for one another. So what’s the story?

How Long Can You Drive After Your Car’s Gas Light Comes On?

Just how many miles can you drive once your car alerts you that you're running out of gas? The answer might surprise you.

How Old Is Barbie Supposed to Be, Anyway?

It’s often said that Barbie is 19 years old, but the answer is a little more nuanced than that.

X marks the spot for lots of saturated fat.

The Surprising Inspiration Behind In-N-Out's Crossed Palm Trees

The trees make an 'X' at almost every In-N-Out location. And yes, it's by design.

“Who, me?” This goat, hearing about the word ‘scapegoat.’

The Reason We Call People Blamed for Things “Scapegoats”

History is filled with figures who were single-handedly—yet often undeservedly—held responsible for epic societal failures. But what do goats have to do with it?

Product safety date, or encrypted military code? You be the judge.

Sell By vs. Best By Dates on Food: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to food safety, none of these phrases means what you think it means.

Bison grazing in Grand Teton National Park.

What’s the Difference Between Bison and Buffalo?

In the U.S., the terms ‘bison’ and ‘buffalo’ are used interchangeably—but they’re actually two different animals. Here’s how to tell them apart.

Why Artificial Banana Flavor Doesn’t Quite Taste Like Bananas

Despite what people often claim, the Gros Michel isn't to blame.

Corned beef? Or pastrami? Let's hash it out.

Pastrami vs. Corned Beef: What's the Difference?

The two brined meats are both delicious, but they're prepared in very different ways.

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