MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

This is counsel in multiple senses of the word.

Council vs. Counsel: What’s the Difference?

It’s the Council of Elrond, not the Counsel of Elrond (though counsel was definitely given during proceedings).

Can Catholics Eat Meat This St. Patrick’s Day? It’s Complicated

For practicing Catholics, meat is off limits on Fridays during Lent. But they might be able to make an exception this March 17.

Think incognito browsing hides everything? Think again.

Why Browsing in Incognito Mode Isn’t as Private as You Think

Reminder: 'Incognito' doesn’t mean 'safe for work.'

Identify whether you're feeling angst, ennui, or weltschmerz with this handy guide.

How to Tell Whether You've Got Angst, Ennui, or Weltschmerz

English never hesitates to borrow words that would lose certain subtleties in translation, and angst, ennui, and weltschmerz have made their way into English by offering a little something extra.

How Much Should You Feed a Dog?

Pay attention to calories rather than the volume of pet food you feed your dog.

Macaroon vs. Macaron: What’s the Difference?

‘Macaron’ and ‘macaroon’ aren’t just two versions of the same word. These days, anyway.

Can You Really Laugh Yourself to Death?

In 1975, a woman found her husband dead in a chair after watching a BBC sitcom. He had been laughing for almost a half-hour. Was it merriment that killed him?

The Best Time to Go Thrift Shopping, According to Goodwill

There is a perfect time to go to your local thrift store if you want to find the best deals.

Consider these elements when choosing where to sit at the theater.

This Is the Best Place to Sit in a Movie Theater

There is a seat in every movie theater that will give you an optimal viewing experience, and it's not necessarily in the dead-center row.

Why Is It Called “Corned Beef” If It Doesn’t Contain Corn?

Corned beef and cabbage has beef, cabbage, and not a speck of corn. What gives?

There's a Good Reason Europeans Think American Chocolate Tastes Like Vomit

There's a scientific explanation for the "vomit" notes some Europeans taste in Hershey's chocolate.

Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla, then–Duchess of Cornwall, at the Royal Ascot in 2013.

Queen vs. Queen Consort: What’s the Difference?

If you know the meaning of ‘consort,’ you can probably guess what a queen consort is.

The gas pump nozzle's frequent shut offs are all about safety.

The Reason Why the Gas Pump Nozzle Is Always Shutting Off on You

It never fails. You stop to refuel and the gas pump takes on a mind of its own. Here's why it keeps interrupting your flow.

Could You Bite Off Someone’s Finger?

Where there’s a will, there's a way.

The Origins of 10 Nicknames

Where did we get Dick from Richard? Why is Bill short for William?

A Carl's Jr. opened in New York City in 2018.

What’s the Difference Between Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.?

The signs and menus look exactly alike, down to that cheery little star. Are they the same restaurant?

The Reason Police Officers Tap Your Taillight When They Pull You Over

The practice dates back decades.

Jive vs. Jibe vs. Gibe: What’s the Difference?

This information might not jibe with what you’ve heard before.

Palate vs. Palette vs. Pallet: What’s the Difference?

Here are some mnemonic devices to help you master this triple homophonic whammy.

With these delicious alonds, I thee wed...

Why People Give Out Jordan Almonds at Weddings

The candy-coated almonds are a traditional part of many Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern wedding celebrations.

When to snip, and when to put your scissors away.

Why Some Pockets on Your Jackets Are Sewn Shut (and How to Tell If You Should Cut Them Open)

Nix those unnecessary stitches.

A lion as depicted in a French Book of Hours, circa 1432.

Why Medieval Artists Drew Such Goofy Looking Lions

Just because lions were depicted frequently in medieval art and design doesn’t mean they were depicted well.

Here’s Why Companies Release Their Super Bowl Ads Early

Ads used to be cloaked in secrecy before the big game. A 2011 Star Wars spot changed all that.

A number of factors go into the price of truffles.

Why Are Truffles So Expensive?

To figure out a little bit about why truffles are so expensive, Mental Floss talked to Vittorio Giordano, the Vice President and Truffle Guru at Urbani Truffles USA.

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