MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Why Do Older People Grunt or Moan While Sitting Down or Standing Up?

It's known as "middle-aged groan," and it afflicts millions who dare try to get off the couch.

British vs. English: What’s the Difference?

First, you have to understand the difference between England and Britain (and the UK, while we’re at it).

How Barbra Streisand Inspired the “Streisand Effect”

It’s common sense: If you make a big deal over something, it’s going to attract attention. And if you’re an international superstar, like, say, Barbra Streisand, the tantrum is going to draw even more attention.

Did the Bouncing DVD Logo Ever Actually Hit the Corner of the Screen?

Dunder Mifflin employees aren't the only people curious about whether that now-iconic DVD logo ever really does hit the corner of the screen.

Warning: Using Dish Soap in Your Laundry Machine Is a Bad Idea (Regardless of What TikTok Says)

Not all TikTok hacks are actually hacks. Here’s why you shouldn’t wash clothes with dish soap.

Why Do We Like to 'Nip It in the Bud'?

The idiom goes back centuries. And no, it's not 'nipping it in the butt.'

There are some key differences between the two devices.

What’s the Difference Between a Router and a Modem?

You need to set up both a router and a modem if you want Wi-Fi internet in your home, but there are major differences between the two devices.

Are You Really More Likely to Die on Your Birthday? The ‘Birthday Effect,’ Explained

“We concluded that birthdays end lethally more frequently than might be expected."

Chicken fingers or chicken tenders? It's complicated.

Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Fingers: What's the Difference?

All fried chicken tenders qualify as fingers, but not all chicken fingers are tenders.

Phone numbers with letters look like gibberish to most people making a phone call today.

Why Did Old Phone Numbers Start With Letters?

You may have noticed these weird phone numbers while watching reruns of your favorite ’50s-era TV show—and though they look like gibberish to modern phone-users, they were perfectly normal at the time.

Turn left for endurance, right for enthusiasm.

Hearty vs. Hardy: What’s the Difference?

You can’t spell ‘hearty’ without ‘heart,’ or ‘hardy’ without ‘hard.’

Why So Many Burger Chains Use Thousand Island Dressing as Their Special Sauce

It's no secret that most fast food "secret sauces" are a riff on Thousand Island dressing.

For Pete’s Sake—Who Is Pete?

‘For Pete’s sake’ originated around the early 20th century, but the Pete in question may have lived long before that.

It's a wheel. Also a tire. With a rim. And a hubcap.

Hubcaps vs. Rims: What’s the Difference?

Get up to speed on your car lingo.

Are There Any Synonyms for the Word ‘Synonym’?

The answer is a bit complicated.

There‘s a scientific reason you love the smell of gas so much.

There’s a Scientific Reason Why Some People Love the Smell of Gasoline

If you find the pungent aroma of gas pleasant at the pump, you're not alone. Here's why fuel tickles your brain.

Why Does ‘Of Course’ Mean ‘Yes’?

‘Of course’ is one of the most versatile ‘yes’ synonyms we have. But what does it actually mean?

Spoiler alert: This ladybug isn’t actually a bug.

What’s the Difference Between Bugs and Insects?

The difference between bugs and insects comes down to more than just semantics. Both terms have scientific definitions.

What Is Baby Corn, Anyway?

A baby corn plant and a corn plant are one and the same.

The Origins of the Phrase ‘Bee in Your Bonnet’

We’re all familiar with the feeling of having an idea or subject stuck in your head that makes it difficult to think about anything else. But why (and when) did we start comparing that experience to a bee buzzing around in your hat?

Airports are not exactly laptop-friendly.

The Real Reason You Need to Take Your Laptop Out at Airport Security

TSA agents need a closer look at your computer. Here's why.

The Reason Your Converse Sneakers Have Extra Holes on the Side

You may have never noticed the extra holes on the sides of your Chuck Taylor All-Stars, but they serve a clever purpose.

Here's how to figure it out once and for all.

A Simple Trick for Remembering When To Use ‘Who’ vs. ‘Whom’

All you need for this easy grammar check is a couple of pronouns you already know how to use correctly.

Here’s how to nail the pluralization of your name—even if there’s a possessive involved.

To Apostrophe or Not to Apostrophe: How to Pluralize Your Last Name

Pluralizing a last name can seem confusing—and it gets even more confusing when you want to make a name both plural and possessive. Here’s how to correctly do both.

PREV NEXT