Something You Should Know Surprising Backstories of Everyday Expressions & The Benefits of Connecting With Your Future Self - SYSK Choice
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Jun 21, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Erin McCarthy, VP/Editor-in-Chief of MentalFloss.com, uncovers the quirky origins of everyday expressions, revealing how phrases like 'cut to the chase' came to be. She shares why certain words are disliked yet commonly used. Hal Hershfield, a professor at UCLA, emphasizes the importance of connecting with your future self to make better decisions today. He explores how envisioning our future identities can influence personal growth and financial planning. The interplay of language and self-identity makes for a thought-provoking conversation!
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Sleep Loss Fuels Overeating
- Sleep deprivation increases appetite and makes people crave foods they usually dislike.
- It also impairs reasoning and fullness perception, leading to overeating.
Close But No Cigar Origins
- The phrase "close but no cigar" originated because cigars were once carnival game prizes.
- By the 1920s, it became a common phrase indicating a near but failed success.
Blockbuster's Explosive Origins
- The term blockbuster originally described WWII bombs that could destroy entire city blocks.
- Hollywood later adopted it to describe hugely successful movies.
