MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

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.

If you're writing a conditional statement, then you should use then.

Then vs. Than: When to Use Which

‘More than’ or ‘more then’ isn’t a matter of opinion. But there was a time when they were interchangeable.

Why Do Fire Departments Have Chaplains?

What does a fire department chaplain do? It all depends on where they work—here’s how they help out.

Traffic Citation vs. Ticket: What's the Difference?

Getting a traffic ticket can be an expensive mistake. But is there a difference between a ticket and a citation? And what about a warning?

What Is Grimace? A McDonald's Manager May Have Solved the Mystery

To some, Grimace is a dimwitted creature hailing from McDonaldland. To others, he looks like a ruptured scrotum. A McDonald's manager may have finally revealed what he really is.

The Reason Heat Makes You So Tired

Why does heat make you so tired? Because even if you’re just lounging around, your body is working hard.

The Reason Coffee Makes Some People Sleepy

Saying “Coffee makes me sleepy” might earn you a few puzzled looks, but there’s a science behind the phenomenon.

Where Do We Get the Term Spitting Image?

The figurative meaning of ‘spitting image’ couldn’t be clearer. The literal meaning depends on which linguist you ask.

They really could be immunologists, virologists, or epidemiologists.

Immunologist vs. Virologist vs. Epidemiologist: What’s the Difference?

What does an epidemiologist do? Not the same thing as an immunologist or a virologist. Here’s how to keep them straight.

mihailomilovanovic/iStock via Getty Images

The Surprising Reason Your Muscles Get Tired When You Exercise

Though it may be annoying, sudden muscle fatigue during exercise is nothing to worry about. It's a byproduct of the way your body uses energy.

Nelson Rockefeller (left) resigned as New York's governor after Gerald Ford (right) chose him as vice president. Rockefeller's lieutenant governor Malcolm Wilson took over.

What’s the Gubernatorial Line of Succession in the United States?

The lieutenant governor is to the gubernatorial line of succession what the vice president is to the presidential line of succession. Yes, there are exceptions.

Yes, it's flimsy. No, you can't make it less flimsy.

Why You Should Never Laminate Your Social Security Card

Is it illegal to laminate your social security card? No, but the Social Security Administration advises against it—here’s why.

Lots of restaurants are closed on Mondays, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The Reason So Many Restaurants Are Closed on Mondays

Your favorite dining establishment may lock its doors at the beginning of the week. Here's why that's not such a bad thing.

Elaine Thompson-Herah (third from left) on her way to a gold medal in the women's 100-meter dash at Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Are There Lane Advantages in Olympic Track Races?

It’s especially impressive if an Olympic runner wins a gold medal from lane 8 or lane 1. But is it really about the lane?

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