Mental Floss

About The Author

Since its founding in a Duke University dorm 20 years ago, Mental Floss has inspired knowledge seekers around the globe by uncovering fascinating stories, illuminating little known facts, and providing answers to life’s big questions. Whether covering history, science, or a favorite TV show, Mental Floss has helped readers feel smarter. Mental Floss has won four Webby Awards, been nominated for three ASME awards, and published multiple books, board games, fact-of-the-day calendars, and podcasts. The brand reaches more than 19 million users per month across its site, social media accounts, and popular YouTube channel. Mental Floss is owned and operated by global content and technology company Minute Media, whose other destinations include The Players’ Tribune, 90min, DBLTAP, The Big Lead, and FanSided.

Books by Mental Floss

Mental Floss: Curious Compendium of Wonderful Words

A Miscellany of Obscure Terms, Bizarre Phrases & Surprising Etymologies

By Erin McCarthy and Mental Floss
Ever wonder if there is a synonym for the word synonym? Or why people really hate the word “moist?” Maybe you want to know why we tell a person to take something “with a grain of salt,” or why McDonalds went to war with a dictionary. From obscure words to the best literary insults ever written, t...
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