Mental Floss

MF EXPLAINS IT ALL









Library binding is the best way to keep books in circulation.

A very, very specific set of standards can keep books from falling apart. But it's usually too expensive for consumers.

Jake Rossen












There’s no doubt about it—rotting food is gross.

The word ‘gross,’ which came to English from French, took on a variety of senses in English related to size. But the ‘gross of today is different from the ‘gross’ of the past thanks to teens.

Arika Okrent


Mark your calendars!

There are a few reasons—including a little something to do with the horse and buggy. Find out more about the history of Election Day.

Erin McCarthy