MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

A head bonk is one of the biggest signs of affection from cats.

Why Does My Cat Headbutt Me?

They do it because they love you.

Why Do We Make New Year’s Resolutions?

Every time a new year rolls around, people set out to better themselves. But why do we make these promises to ourselves, and where did this tradition come from? We can start by blaming the ancient Babylonians.

There‘s a time and place for black tea (left) and herbal tea (right).

Decaffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Tea: What’s the Difference?

“Caffeine-free tea” isn't actually tea at all.

Who First Said “The Customer Is Always Right”?

The proverb that empowers rude shoppers has been going strong for over a century. Who’s to blame?

What‘s the Difference Between Hail, Sleet, and Freezing Rain?

Frozen precipitation comes in many forms, and they all pose unique threats.

Drop this fact at your New Year’s Eve party.

Why Do We ‘Ring In’ the New Year?

The meaning of ‘ring in the New Year’ is now mostly metaphorical, but it used to involve literal ringing.

Why Don't Cars Have Pop-Up Headlights Anymore?

The ‘hidden headlamps’ were having a moment. Then pesky pedestrian safety cramped their style.

Next time someone confuses the two drinks, you‘ll know how to correct them.

Champagne vs. Prosecco: What’s the Difference?

Don’t let wine aficionados hear you confuse these two sparkling beverages.

What’s the Difference Between Flapjacks and Pancakes?

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 Properly Dispose of Wrapping Paper

Can wrapping paper be recycled? As you may have guessed, correctly disposing of wrapping paper can be a bit complicated.

Why Do We Say “Jinx”?

If you’ve ever been jinxed into owing someone a soda, you should know why.

How do these two famous vampires compare?

What’s the Difference Between Dracula and Nosferatu?

Ahead of Robert Eggers’s adaptation of ‘Nosferatu,’ here’s a breakdown of the differences and similarities between the two iconic bloodsuckers.

Pink slips have had a lot of different meanings over the years.

Why Is Being Fired Called ‘Getting the Pink Slip’?

Getting laid off has long been associated with getting a fancy pink invitation to the unemployment line. Why?

Building snowmen is not a new winter activity.

Why Do We Build Snowmen?

From children decorating them with hats and carrot noses to giant sculptures of fan-favorite characters, where there is snow, there will be snowmen. Here’s a brief history of why we build them.

Let’s investigate the high-stakes world of Social Security trivia.

Was the First-Ever Social Security Number Really 001-01-0001?

In 1936, someone got bragging rights to having the lowest possible Social Security Number—but only after several others turned it down.

A dreidel and pile of chocolate gelt are a common sight during Hanukkah celebrations.

The Surprising History of the Hanukkah Dreidel

It’s often said the dreidel was a way Jewish people communicated their faith during ancient times of oppression. But the Hanukkah game is actually a lot more recent.

Illustration of people enjoying wassail, circa 1800.

What Is Wassailing, Anyway?

Here‘s everything you need to know about this beloved Christmas tradition, from how it evolved to a fun guide for doing it yourself.

A holly sprig is considered a traditional part of the garnish.

What Is Figgy Pudding, Anyway?

Figgy pudding might be a fixture in Christmas carol lyrics, but you've probably never seen it in person. So just what is this British dish we've been singing about for all these years?

Jack Frost pops up in a number of wintery tales.

Who Is Jack Frost?

Most iterations of Jack Frost see him clad in icy blue and white, and as well as being responsible for nose-nipping, he’s also credited with creating frost. But where exactly did this mythical cold-weather figure originate?

How Are Duvets Different From Comforters?

When it comes to figuring out which is better—a duvet or a comforter—there’s no need to lose sleep over your decision.

Why Does Your Body Jerk Awake As You’re Trying to Fall Asleep?

Up to 70 percent of people have experienced hypnic jerks, but they’re usually nothing to worry about.

Why Aren’t Classical Statues Very Well-Endowed?

Cultural values have changed a lot since ancient Greece.

Why Do We Call It an “Allen Wrench”?

The six-sided tool helped make IKEA a household name. But did anyone named Allen have anything to do with it?

If they were in separate glasses without their cans, could you tell them apart?

What’s the Difference Between Diet Soda and Zero-Sugar Soda?

Are Diet Coke and Coke Zero really that different? Here are the differences and health factors in the diet soda vs. zero-sugar soda debate.

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