MF Explains It All

After it formed, the Catalina Island Conservancy had to figure out how to manage the island's invasive ungulates.

Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin described the guillotine's effect as being “Like a cool breath on the back of the neck.” Anne Boleyn would likely disagree.

Everybunny wants to know why we call rabbits “bunnies.”

When it comes to abbreviations for animal names, doggy for dog makes sense, as does kitty for cat, when you think about it: Kitty comes from the word kitten. But where does bunny for rabbit come from?

Here's how to tell your hamsters from your gerbils and your gerbils from your guinea pigs.

Rats and mice are vastly different in appearance and behavior, though they have one thing in common: scaring the heck out of you.

Pigs were involved in piggyback rides lexically much more than literally.

The dismissive gesture is a 1990s original thanks to two very different sitcom stars.

The term is often applied to everything from Etsy shops to trendy businesses. But what does ‘cottage industry’ really mean?

Travelers can be superstitious. So can airlines.

Superstition isn't the only reason you can't sit in 13A.

Edited from an illustration by André De Takacs for a 1914 rag called "Humpty Dumpty" by pianist Charley Straight.

The origins of the nursery rhyme can tell us exactly why Humpty Dumpty is depicted as an egg.

Flat white coffee is a relatively recent addition to coffee menus.

Flat white coffee combines the best of a cappuccino and a latte.

The popular piece of workout gear has a pretty insulting name, and it's all thanks to a poet and scholar.

It's easy to pinpoint how the Baby Boomer generation got its name.

Creating generation names like the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z isn't always a straightforward process.

The long, winding history of Daylight Saving Time includes a few false starts and a cameo from Benjamin Franklin.

Kars4Kids Official TV Commercial (Kars for Kids Jingle) | Remastered 2019

The omnipresent radio spot has made millions suffer. And the organization behind it couldn't be happier.

Your daily cup of coffee has been hundreds of years in the making.

Jake Gyllenhaal stars in (another) 'Road House' (2024).

Pain don't hurt, but trying to understand the difference between remakes and reboots can.

Here’s everything you need to know about the meaning, origin, and evolution of the Irish word ‘craic.’

At first glance, these marine mammals seem virtually identical. But take a closer look and you’ll see that the differences between seals vs. sea lions really do stack up.

Foxes are highly skilled hunters, which allows them to eat a variety of small animals.

Dog and pony shows were once all the rage.

When people talk about a dog and pony show today, they usually mean a flashy presentation or event that's all about appearances, with little real substance. But where does this phrase come from, and what's its history?