Mental Floss

WORDS

There are way more digits in pi than you probably realize.

Pi Day offers something for the math-lover and baked-goods lover. What about the word lover? Here are some tips and tricks for memorizing the digits of pi with words.

Arika Okrent
The Korean ideophone 쿨쿨 (pronounced “kul-kul”) indicates the deep breathing of a restful slumber.

English speakers may be familiar with onomatopoeias, but they’re only a very small subset of ideophones, a broader word class can also convey other sensory experiences unrelated to sound. These Korean ideophones are sure to make your language sparkle.

Sophie Lau












Ka-ching!

Explore the colorful world of slang terms for money, from ‘bacon’ to ‘moolah’ and beyond.

Mark Peters


Texas longhorns in a grassy field.

Norway may not seem to have much in common with Texas, but when Norwegians want to express how wild and outrageous something is, they go straight for this state-based euphemism.

Kristin Fawcett


These sayings are great craic.

Discover the vibrant Irish culture through its language and slang. Learn key phrases to use on St. Paddy’s Day and beyond, from ‘craic’ and ‘sláinte’ to ‘céad míle fáilte’ and ‘may the road rise up to meet you.’

Fiona Moon








You’ll want to work these Scottish slang terms into conversation.

Curious about Scottish slang? Learn the meanings of terms like ‘git awa’ and bile yer heid’ and impress your friends on your next visit to Scotland.

Michael Thomas Kincella