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We have Shakespeare to thank for a whole bunch of words.

Quiz: Can You Guess the Word Coined by Shakespeare?

Shakespeare is often given credit with coining more than a thousand words. How many of them do you know?

Red vs. Gray Fox: What's the Difference?

Here's how to identify red and gray foxes, plus some helpful information about where the foxes live and what they eat.

The prime minister was no fan of his portrait.

‘Malignant’: Winston Churchill’s Most Hated Portraiture Is Headed to Auction

Winston Churchill so hated Graham Sutherland’s likeness of him that he had it set on fire.

Which ones will you start using in conversation?

80 Weird Words and Phrases

If you’ve ever needed a word for a piece of bread eaten just after a bath, or a term for an unpleasant choice between three options, you’re in luck.

Is Mercury retrograde really the reason you computer crashed? Here's what an expert has to say about it.

What Is Mercury in Retrograde, and Why Do We Blame Things on It?

Mercury retrograde will make the planet appear to move backwards. No, that doesn’t mean your electronics or your relationships will fail.

Missouri Lawmaker Aims to Bring Back Dueling

The history of political dueling in the U.S. doesn’t end with Hamilton and Burr.

Bigfoot Sightings Are Probably Just Bears, Study Finds

A researcher found a significant correlation between Bigfoot sightings and black bear populations.

14 Surprising Facts About William Shakespeare

Despite his many contributions to English literature, surprisingly little is known about William Shakespeare's life. Here’s what we do know about the celebrated actor, poet, and playwright.

What’s the Kennection? #111

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?

What the @%$!! is the oldest known curse word?

What‘s the Oldest Curse Word in English?

The four-letter words that still have the power to offend took a circuitous route out of our mouths and into our language.

This is no time to batten down the hatches.

16 Sailing Terms for Landlubbers

A handful of centuries-old sailing words remain known only to the saltiest of seamen, but some have become part of our everyday language.

Macbeth and the three witches in Shakespeare's possibly cursed play.

The Scottish Play: Why Actors Won’t Call ‘Macbeth’ by Its Title

The superstition that saying “Macbeth” will bring bad luck has been around since Shakespeare’s play debuted.

Why Does Weed Make You Hungry?

Marijuana really does give you the munchies—here's the science behind why.

The Unexpected History of the ‘Little Jack Horner’ Nursery Rhyme

Like most nursery rhymes, rumors have long swirled about its allegedly dark origin story—one that’s said to involve Henry VIII and bribery.

21 Surprising Facts About “It Girl” Clara Bow

Clara Bow, one of the earliest megastars of the silent film era, is famous for being Hollywood’s first “It Girl.” But there’s a lot more to Bow’s dramatic life than bobbed hair and flapper couture.

What to Know Before Buying a Grill

Ready to buy a new grill? Whether you go for a gas, pellet, or charcoal grill, picking a new one isn't always easy, but these tips can help.

The fabled dish might be the quickest way to someone's heart after all.

What Is “Engagement Chicken,” and More Importantly, Does It Work?

Could these engagement-themed dishes help you put a ring on it? Discover the origins of “engagement chicken” and other modern-day recipes that have since gone viral on TikTok.

Crows vs. Ravens: 7 Ways To Tell the Corvid Cousins Apart

If you can’t tell crows and ravens apart, you may think you’re uncovering a minor conspiracy when you’re actually witnessing a murder.

Quiz: Can You Match the Victorian Slang Term to its Meaning?

Test your knowledge of Victorian slang with this quiz that’s bang up to the elephant.

Why Do Kids Eat Their Boogers?

Catching a kid picking their nose isn’t too unusual, but have you ever wondered what makes them want to actually eat their boogers? Discover more about the science behind mucophagy and its enduring appeal to youngsters.

The albatross visits the Mariner and his crew in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," as illustrated in 1876 by Gustave Doré.

The Meaning and Literary Origins of the Phrase ‘To Have an Albatross Around Your Neck’

‘Having an albatross around your neck’ means “facing an inescapable burden.” As for where the phrase originated, you can thank classic literature.

The cover of the book ‘The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies.’

13 Fun Facts About The Berenstain Bears Books

Here’s how to steer a predictable discussion about teamwork and manners to one on sex and panda discrimination.

Can You Find the Misspelled Word In This Tricky Brainteaser?

One in five people give up before solving the puzzle.

Antacids have a surprisingly rich history of catchy ad slogans.

11 Advertising Slogans That Became Famous Catchphrases

Discover the most memorable advertising slogans that stuck with us. How many have you uttered without even realizing it?

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