MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

An 1875 illustration by artist Jules David.

How Did ‘The Gilded Age’ Get Its Name?

The time period that inspired HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’ was opulent—but its golden veneer masked something less glamorous.

How do I tell if thee is a sonnet? Let me count the lines.

Poem vs. Sonnet: What’s the Difference?

Plenty of poems are love poems. Why aren’t all of them considered sonnets? In short, rhyme scheme, length, and structure.

A sign outside Amazon's Seattle headquarters.

Why ‘Relentless.com’ Redirects to Amazon

Amazon’s original name was actually ‘Cadabra.’ And that was far from the only moniker that Jeff Bezos considered.

‘FDA Cleared’ vs. ‘FDA Approved’: What’s the Difference?

FDA approval and FDA clearance aren’t used for the same products—but they’re both valid messages to see on packaging.

Why Does Fake Jewelry Turn Your Skin Green?

Learning how to stop a ring from turning your finger green is easy. So is understanding why it happens in the first place.

ZIP codes hold the answer to getting you your junk mail as quickly as possible.

Why Do We Use ZIP Codes?

The five- to nine-digit code that gets letters to their destinations started with a man who would become known as "Mr. Zip."

What Is Black Ice, And Why Is It So Dangerous?

Black ice on the road is a recipe for disaster. Here’s what it is, how it forms, and where it’s often hiding in plain sight.

Do Camels Really Store Water in Their Humps?

Where do camels store water? The humps may be the most obvious answer—but that doesn’t mean it’s correct.

Aldi's 'Aisle of Shame' has become an internet sensation.

Aldi's 'Aisle of Shame,' Explained

Grocery chain Aldi has inspired devotion for one specific section of its stores that shoppers obsess over and make bird sounds in. Really.

The Real Reason Kate Middleton Isn’t Known as “Princess Catherine”

When Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot, she didn’t become “Princess Kate.” Here’s why not.

Queen Elizabeth II doesn't consider this a stack of flapjacks.

What’s the Difference Between a Flapjack and a Pancake?

What is a flapjack? If you’re in England, it’s not a fluffy round cake made from batter and fried in a pan.

How to Poop in the Woods, According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Embrace your inner ursine and learn how to foul the Adirondacks like a pro, courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

This kid might be slaying the hill, but he's not sleighing it.

Sleigh vs. Sled: What's the Difference?

You might call anything you use to shoot down a snow-covered hill a sled, but there are some things that separate the two. Like reindeer.

Why Is It Called a 'Semi Truck'?

The names ‘18-wheeler,’ ‘big rig,’ and ‘tractor-trailer’ aptly convey the size and scope of the vehicle. ‘Semi’ seems a little misleading. What gives?

Two people can, however, look at the same photo of a rainbow.

Rainbow Disconnection: Why No Two People Can Ever See the Same Rainbow

How do rainbows form? It’s all about light waves, water, and angles—and that includes the angle from which you see one.

Queen Victoria visits the HMS Resolute, a British naval ship used for Arctic exploration, in December 1856.

When Exactly Was the Victorian Era?

The Victorian era brought changes that reached far beyond England’s borders. In fact, England’s borders also reached far beyond what we now know as England’s borders.

What Exactly Is Millennial Pink, And Why Are People Still So Obsessed With It?

Whether Gen Z or even Generation Alpha will carry forth the Millennial Pink torch remains to be seen, but they’re wearing a lot of hot pink lately …

Is this Bloody Mary part of the problem or solution?

Can Drinking More Alcohol Cure a Hangover? The Truth Behind the Hair of the Dog

The hair of the dog is one of the oldest hangover cures still around today. But can it really save you from that pounding headache?

This dog is obviously shaking because it's soaking wet.

Why Do Dogs Shake Their Bodies?

A full-body shake after a bath is self-explanatory. But why do dogs shake so often when they’re totally dry?

Where vs. Whereas: When to Use Each One Correctly

One historical definition of ‘whereas’ is ‘preamble.’ But that’s probably not the one you’re looking for.

How to Pick the Right-Sized Turkey for Your Thanksgiving Dinner

“What size turkey do I need?” is not an impossible question to answer as long as you have a headcount.

The Historic Reason Why Brits Put Milk in Their Tea

Britons may take milk in their tea for the flavor today, but that wasn't the original intention centuries ago.

Jealousy vs. Envy: What’s the Difference?

The difference between jealousy and envy comes down to what’s motivating your feelings—but there’s often overlap.

Why Do Dogs Have Dewclaws?

The purpose of a dog’s dewclaw is often overlooked—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Here are all the details on the digit.

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