How Did ‘Gross’ Become a Term of Disgust?
The word ‘gross,’ which came to English from French, took on a variety of senses in English related to size. But the ‘gross of today is different from the ‘gross’ of the past thanks to teens.
2023-11-09 01:21
What’s the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?
Ever wondered if yams and sweet potatoes are the same thing? Read this before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner.
2023-11-08 22:50
Why Do We Eat Pumpkin Pie on Thanksgiving?
Pumpkin pie was actually born in Europe—until American colonists claimed it as their own in the late 18th century.
2023-11-08 05:20
Why Is an Informant Called a ‘Stool Pigeon‘?
Pigeons aren’t known to be particularly talkative birds.
2023-11-01 05:58
Why Do Hearses Have Metal S-Shaped Scrolls Where the Back Windows Should Be?
A brief history of landau bars.
2023-10-31 03:22
What’s the Purpose of a Turkey’s Wattle?
The loose flesh that hangs from a turkey’s neck isn’t the most attractive part of the bird—to humans, at least.
2023-10-28 04:57
How Are Porta Potties Cleaned?
To keep porta potties (relatively) clean, sanitation workers require special equipment and a strong stomach.
2023-10-26 21:55
Why Is Opening an Umbrella Indoors Supposed to Be Bad Luck?
When it comes to superstitions about bad luck, indoor umbrellas are right up there with broken mirrors and black cats.
2023-10-26 05:19
Why Is the First Episode of a TV Show Called a ‘Pilot’?
Getting a concept onto the big screen is a difficult process, and the pilot episode is what can make—or, more often, break—a series. By why is it called that?
2023-10-25 21:28
The Reason Why a Standard Piece of Paper Is 8.5 Inches by 11 Inches
The letter-sized standard actually has roots in the 1660s, when paper was made by hand—and Herbert Hoover had something to do with it, too.
2023-10-24 22:47
Why Is It Called the “Placebo Effect”?
What is a placebo? Technically, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I will please.’ It’s also a Catholic prayer and a clever insult.
2023-10-23 23:49
Do Scarecrows Actually Work?
Scare crows may deter crows and blackbirds, but you'll have to make some modifications for them to really work.
2023-10-21 04:58