MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Why Do Babies in Medieval Paintings Look So Scary?

If you’ve ever found yourself chuckling at the angry man-heads on human babies in medieval art, the joke is actually on you.

Patient portals unfortunately aren't yet of the teleportal variety.

Why Does ‘Stat’ Mean “Immediately”?

Here’s everything you ever wondered about ‘stat’: its meaning, its origins, and whether ER doctors really shout it all the time.

It’s not one you’re likely to use in everyday conversation—but you will find it in an dictionary.

What’s the Longest Word in English?

Spoiler alert: Despite what you might have heard, it’s not ‘antidisestablishmentarianism.’

A spoonful of sugar would definitely taste a lot better.

Here’s Why So Many Medicines Are Cherry-Flavored

There's a reason that cough syrup you're trying to choke down tastes like cherry.

We can thank Shakespeare for popularizing it, sort of.

Why Do We Say ‘In a Pickle’?

Contrary to popular belief, Shakespeare wasn’t the one who invented this common idiom. But trying to unravel its origins will land you in a bit of a tricky situation.

Why ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ Became the Soundtrack of American Graduations

“Pomp and Circumstance,” also popularly known as “The Graduation March,” is typically used during graduation processionals. Here’s why.

Why Do So Many Maple Syrup Bottles Have a Tiny Little Handle?

The reason maple syrup bottles have little handles involves the word 'skeuomorph.'

Why Is the Unicorn Scotland’s National Animal?

Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. The reason isn’t because Scotland is a nation of unicorn lovers; rather, it’s thanks to the country’s bygone kings.

What Does ‘Wi-Fi’ Stand For? It’s Complicated

If you think 'Wi-Fi' stands for 'wireless fidelity,' you should read this.

We don’t know a lot about where the phrase came from.

What Does the Phrase ‘Keep It Under Your Hat’ Mean?

The phrase has evolved somewhat since its first uses—and its origin is something of a mystery.

What’s the Story Behind Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is recognized around the country as a time to celebrate Mexico’s cultural heritage. Like a lot of days earmarked to commemorate a specific idea or event, its origins can be a little murky. Who started it, and why?

A pixelated version of an illustration by Édouard-Henri Avril from the 1824 book ‘De figuris Veneris.’

The Research Error That Gave Us the Phrase ‘Missionary Position’

The origins of the phrase 'missionary position' involve Alfred Kinsey, some shoddy research, and zero actual missionaries.

Have a pet? Prepare to pony up some serious cash.

The Many Reasons Why Your Vet Bills Are Rising

Owning a cat or dog can cost a lot of money. And inflation isn't the only reason vet bills have gotten so expensive.

10 Questions About the Kentucky Derby, Answered

Put on a fancy hat, grab a mint julep, and become the best-informed person at your Derby party.

Why Do We Call Hit Movies ‘Blockbusters’?

Before the word was used to describe hit movies, ‘blockbusters’ was a nickname for a highly destructive bomb.

Wolves vs. Coyotes: What’s the Difference?

Coyotes can sometimes look like wolves from a distance—but there are some key differences between the two species.

Why Do Some Songs Fade Out at the End?

Taylor Swift is just the latest in a long line of musicians who like to employ a “fade-out,” where the song gets gradually quieter in the closing seconds.

Red foxes in particular are very adaptable carnivores.

What Do Foxes Eat?

Uncover the unique culinary preferences of foxes, including the differences in what rural vs. urban foxes eat and how red foxes fit into the equation.

‘Burned’ vs. ‘Burnt’: What’s the Difference?

‘Burnt’ and ‘burned’ are both acceptable, but they serve different purposes (at least, they do in American English).

Millions of Millennials Are Moving Back Home With Their Parents—Here's Why

Money is the main reason so many Millennials are moving back home. But it isn't the only one.

Labrador vs. Golden Retriever: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to telling the differences between yellow labradors vs. golden retrievers, it comes down to coat length and colors, body type, and few other key factors.

Why Do Some People Sneeze So Darn Loudly?

Personality and anatomy play a role in determining sneeze volume.

According to some depictions of her, Mother Goose isn't even a bird.

Who Even Is Mother Goose?

Many nursery rhymes are attributed to Mother Goose. But was Mother Goose even a real person?

It's really just an intricate game of Tetris.

You’re Probably Loading Your Dishwasher Wrong

If you’re wondering how to load a dishwasher the right way, these expert tips can help you avoid water spots, broken glasses, and many other common pain points.

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