Mental Floss

MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Where did this weather-related idiom come from?

Where did this curious expression come from, and what’s so right about rain, anyway?

That’s a sore thumb, all right.

The phrase dates back to the 19th century, but it took a fictional 20th century detective to take its popularity to new heights.

Good habits start early.

It’s easy to make these common mistakes when you're brushing your teeth, but here’s how to do it the right way.

Don’t skip this just because it’s still snowing.

Skipping this part of your winter car maintenance routine could spell big problems come spring. Discover the benefits of winter car washes, plus how often to do it.

Love really did a number on her.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, discover the origins of the phrase ‘weak at the knees,’ including its ties to ancient Rome and even astrology.

Try not to hold any knife like this. It could lead to a mishap.

Also called scallops, these tiny indentations have a purpose. And it’s not just to make the knife look cute.

Everyone appreciates a good mattress.

Does rotating really extend the life of a mattress, or is it just outdated advice? Find out whether or not you should, plus the differences between rotating vs. flipping mattresses.

An old-timey fireman with some dead weight.

Why your drunk friend feels so much heavier than your sober buddies.

Next time, bring socks.

Slipping and falling on the ice is always a serious risk during winter, but this sock hack from TikTok could help.

Pillows don't last forever.

Pillows work tirelessly to hold your head up. Here's how to know when they've had enough.

Several factors make people more susceptible to the flu in winter.

Like clockwork, flu viruses seem to strike more people in winter than in any other season—and there are several reasons for that.

The initialism was originally a bit of shipbuilder marketing—and now there are many different kinds of ship designations.

Delivery!

There comes a point in every child’s life when they ask where babies come from, and some parents—not wanting to explain the details of reproduction just yet—turn to the story of storks. We explore the origins of a myth that has been around for centuries.

You can even make it a team effort.

When it comes to folding fitted sheets, there's a right, and wrong, way to go about things.

How do these guys do it?

The funnel they use to get around serves a dual purpose.

Fans have had to wait an extra week for a Super Bowl champion to be crowned.

The big game used to be a January staple. Now it’s in February, and it may not be done moving yet.

The boonies.

We have the military to thank.

Worried about traction? One of these options can help.

When it comes to winter road safety, which one should you use? It all depends on whether you’re looking to melt ice, gain traction, or both.

Punxsutawney Phil is not the most reliable weather predictor.

The stats indicate that practice doesn’t always make perfect when it comes to mid-sized meteorological rodents.

The Jet Stream (left, over northern Canada) and the Gulf Stream (right, near Florida) both have big effects on global climate.

Learn the key differences between the two before the next polar vortex.

Old-fashioned chivalry isn't dead after all.

The origins for this marriage proposal tradition go back to the days of knights and courtly love.

Beyoncé has won more Grammy awards than any other artist, but Album of the Year is not one of them (yet).

Each is a prestigious win at the Grammy Awards, but these similar-sounding prizes are given to different music industry roles.

You can open the curtains, but that's as far as it goes.

Hotels have several good reasons to prevent guests from cracking open a window.

Just don’t overdo it.

Tea and sugar are a classic combination. But salt may actually be more helpful when it comes to improving tea’s flavor.