The English language is robustly filled with many homonyms — words that have multiple meanings. The word bark can refer to the outer covering of a tree as well as the sound […]
What English Word Holds the Record for the Most Definitions?
The World Record Game Where the Most Goals Were Earned By the Losing Team
Spectators at the soccer (association football) match in Antananarivo, Madagascar on October 31, 2002 witnessed history. As if it were guided by a homing device, the ball flew repeatedly into SO l’Emyrne’s […]
Learn the Meaning of Mamihlapinatapai and Say a Mouthful
When you want to say a mouthful with just one word, you can do it with “Mamihlapinatapai.” Coming from the Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego, it refers to “a look that […]
Did a Manhole Cover Become the First Manmade Object in Space?
The eyes of the world were turned spaceward in October 1957 because the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik, the first manmade object sent into space. Or was it? Just a few […]
“A Cacophony of Hell” — The Terrifying Crocodile Massacre at the Battle of Ramree Island
War can be terrifying enough when humans are the only combatants. Imagine how much worse it can be when nature takes sides. Such was the case during the Battle of Ramree Island […]
The Last-Minute Change that Created One of TV’s Favorite Shows
It was 1969 and Fred Silverman had to scramble to revise his big plans. He staked a lot on a new children’s program that he was sure was going to be a […]
The Most Fraudulent Election in History
In an era of allegations of improperly-influenced elections, fraud, and political corruption, it may be comforting to realize that things could be worse.
The World Record for the Most World Records
What must it be like to be recognized as the best in the entire world at something? There can only be one recipient of the most honorary degrees, owner of the biggest […]
What is the Shortest Poem?
There is some debate about which poetic work has the distinction of being the shortest poem on record. Take a look at the two leading contenders. Fortunately, it won’t take you very […]
12 Fun Facts About the Rubik’s Cube
One of the most successful products in history is the Rubik’s Cube. Since its rollout in 1980, more than 350 million cubes have been sold. You can call it a toy, but […]
The Very Long and Very Short of Last Wills and Testaments
When it comes to a Last Will and Testament, there are rules mandating how short or long it may be. Take a lesson from the following extremes of the shortest and longest […]
Meet the Man Who Ate an Entire Airplane
Say what you will about Michel Lotito, but one thing is for certain: he never suffered from iron deficiency in his diet. For that matter, he didn’t want for glass, plastic, aluminum, […]
The Record-Scoring Hockey Brothers
The NHL record for the most combined points by two brothers was earned by Wayne and Brent Gretzky. Wayne earned 2,857 points. Brent contributed a grand total of 4 points. Read more […]
The Snowflake the Size of a Hubcap
The largest recorded snowflake was in Keogh, Montana in 1887. It was 15 inches wide. The phenomenon was witnessed by the personnel at Fort Keogh, and the reports are reliable enough that […]
Meet the Phantom: the World’s First Superhero
While many people assume Superman was the first superhero, fandom actually owes recognition to another costumed crimefighter, who made his appearance two years ahead of the man from Krypton. The Phantom first […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 