February 25, 2019

Why is American football called “Football” (when players use their hands)?

Sports historians debate over the origin of football’s name. One explanation is that, in the mid-1800s, American football evolved from the game of rugby, a rough-and-tumble […]
February 25, 2019

Does anyone appreciate crocodile tears?

Humans don’t, but some insects sure do. While some bugs drink blood, certain species of moths, bees, and butterflies drink tears. To them, tears are tasty […]
February 23, 2019

Why do we say “crying crocodile tears”?

Friends (or foes) who express phony sadness to gain sympathy are said “crocodile tears.” The expression is an old one, based on the myth that alligators […]
February 23, 2019

Why do we say “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”?

When someone (for instance, an older relative) seems stubborn about learning something new (say, how to turn on a computer), he or she might shrug and […]