Most measurements in the English language have pretty straightforward abbreviations ― “tbsp” for tablespoon, “qt” for quart, “yd” for yard and so on. So why, then, do we use “lb” to refer to pound?

What's a "pound sign?" No really. Think about it. If you are in the U.S., you are liable to associate the term "pound sign" with that tic-tac-toe on your phone's dialpad. You know, #. If you are ...