Our 25 Most Popular Stories of 2023

For more than 20 years, Mental Floss has proudly served as the home for all things curious and quirky—and 2023 was no exception. Among some of the essential stories we have covered in recent months: IKEA’s gargantuan Swedish meatball, which weighs as much as a Pomeranian and is meant to serve the entire family; 100 facts that will make you say WTF (for example: Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz are distant cousins); and how, in the Middle Ages, an unfortunate mistranslation spawned a misguided mummy-eating fad.

While we published thousands of new stories over the past 12 months, we’re always excited to see any trends that emerge. And in 2023, what we learned is that our readers love to learn about words, phrases, slang, and names—particularly those they might be saying all wrong; which cassette tapes hiding in their attics might be worth a small fortune; the best travel hacks from the people who have tried them all (flight attendants); and anything related to awesomely bad movie(s).

Here are our 25 most popular stories of 2023, in case you missed any of them.

Learn how to pronounce Saoirse and Cillian so you don’t have to live in fear of making a fool of yourself in front of Saoirse Ronan or Cillian Murphy.

If you read to explore different worlds, this map is for you.

Your car’s air recirculation button can make life easier on you and your air conditioner.

Calling all Gen Xers and elder Millennials: Those old copies of Pearl Jam’s Ten could you earn you a bundle.

The correct answer is “never,” but if you have to, you’d better time it right.

From strange roadside attractions to wonderfully weird museums, the United States is full of delightful sights that don’t show up in all the guidebooks.

For centuries, lighthouses and their keepers helped ships avoid catastrophe. Thanks to GPS, they’re all but obsolete. But that doesn’t mean you can’t live in one of these cherished structures and enjoy a hermetic existence with a great waterfront view: the U.S. government is giving away several lighthouses and selling others.

There’s a perfect time to go to your local thrift store if you want to find the best deals.

The silhouetted player in the MLB logo is ambiguous in more ways than one.

Many of the worst movies to win a Best Picture Oscar are still a lot better than most other movies.

If you think the pronunciation of the Welsh name Rhys matches that of the word rise, this article is for you.

“Is the movie good? Is it bad? Does it matter? It is what it is and occupies a world where the stars don’t shine.”

No need to leave your pet goldfish behind after all—or your favorite collectible lightsaber, for that matter.

Nutella isn’t “Nut-tella,” and other lies you’ve been told.

Stop playing chicken with your fuel gauge.

Whether you lived through the ‘80s or merely have absorbed some details via Stranger Things, take a look at some of the myths surrounding the “me decade.”

Sinks and countertops get all the bad press, but the most bacteria are actually lurking somewhere else.

See where Doritos, Sour Patch Kids, and other processed snacks rank on this map of America’s favorite junk foods.

The seafood giant promised patrons as much shrimp as they could eat. It turns out they could eat a lot.

It could be the sole reason you avoid hassle on your next trip.

Though Walter White commits his most heinous crimes in the later seasons of Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston said he was most shaken up by a moment from season 2.

These 1930s-era slang terms will blow your wig.

Only 21 films received a failing grade from CinemaScore. But does that mean they’re bad movies?

Whether you live in Alabama or Washington, your baby girl Olivia is probably going to meet a bunch of other Olivias.

Their stories were powerful and compelling, yet almost forgotten.