MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Grandfather clocks often become family heirlooms.

Why Is It Called a ‘Grandfather Clock’?

The imposing clocks have an origin story, but it doesn't have much to do with any actual grandfathers.

You can save this one for the next time someone makes you mad (though it might not do you any favors, either).

Where Does the Phrase ‘May You Live In Interesting Times’ Actually Come From?

This common phrase is often used during times of political uncertainty, and has even been described as an ancient Chinese curse. History says otherwise, though.

Why Do We Call Dogs Fido?

“Fido” is a name that has become synonymous with all things dog. But where did the name come from?

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is a common anesthetic that only requires a mask over the mouth and nose.

How Does Anesthesia Work?

Anesthesia is a complex mixture of medications that lessen pain during procedures. Different types affect the body in different ways.

Why Do Supreme Court Justices Serve for Life?

Alexander Hamilton argued that lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court were the only way, but some modern scholars disagree.

Here are the differences between green onions or scallions (left) and chives (right).

Scallion vs. Chives. vs. Green Onion: What’s the Difference?

One of these things is not like the others.

‘Boo’ didn’t originate as a ghostly saying.

Why Do Ghosts Say “Boo”?

If linguistics is any indicator, it would appear that everybody in the spirit realm speaks Scots English.

A hearse with S-shaped bars in place of back windows.

Why Do Hearses Have Metal S-Shaped Scrolls Where the Back Windows Should Be?

Those evocative scrolls you see on hearses actually have a name—and going back in the 1800s, they actually served an important purpose.

Why Do So Many Little Kids Love Dinosaurs?

It’s common for many little kids to go through a “dinosaur phase.” Here’s why.

Why Are Some Liquors Called “Spirits”?

One theory suggests that we call liquor “spirits” because of alcohol’s association with one spirit in particular: the Holy Spirit. But there are other possible origins.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

Your dog’s motivations for licking you range from adorable to disgusting.

Every birthday counts when you just have one life.

Why Do We Say Cats Have Nine Lives?

Though cats only live once, the idea that the animals have nine lives has been around for a long time.

Why Is It Called a “Monkey Wrench”?

The heavy-duty tool is said to be the work of a man named Moncke. Or was it Moncay?

One of the few days this family probably used their dining rooms.

What Happened to Dining Rooms?

Fewer and fewer newly constructed homes actually have dining rooms. Here’s why.

You know this squirrel got these two cats talking.

Why Do Cats ‘Chatter’ and ‘Chirp’ at Birds?

There’s a natural explanation for the very un-catlike sounds your pet starts emitting when it sees a bird or squirrel.

Sneezing is gross, but it’s also normal.

Is Holding in a Sneeze Bad for You?

Many people underestimate the damage that suppressing a sneeze can cause.

Something to think about while you’re casting your ballot.

Why Do We Vote in November?

There were some very compelling reasons for choosing the first Tuesday in November as Election Day—at least, they were when that date was chosen.

Why Do We Go Trick-or-Treating on Halloween?

Historians link trick-or-treating to a few different ancestors, some old and some new.

A farrier holding a horse’s newly shod hoof.

Why Do Some Horses Need Shoes, But Cows Don't?

There are many reasons why horses might need shoes. There’s pretty much only one reason why cows don’t.

Why Movie Theater Popcorn Tastes So Good

Movie theater popcorn really does taste different than the stuff you make at home. Here’s why.

'Knotty muscles' can be a real pain in the neck.

Are ‘Muscle Knots’ Actually Knots?

The nagging pain in your neck may feel tight, but it's knot what you think.

Graveyard vs. Cemetery: What’s the Difference?

Both are places where we bury the dearly departed, and the words are often used interchangeably. But that hasn’t always been the case.

Do you have an addiction to ghost stories?

Why Do We Tell Scary Ghost Stories?

People have been telling ghost stories for thousands of years. We dive into the psychology behind why people are drawn to such terrifying tales.

Gourds (left) and squash (right) are similar, but one shouldn’t be eaten.

Gourd vs. Squash: What’s the Difference?

Matters become more confusing when you add pumpkins to the mix.

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