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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Placebo's Meaning and Origins
- "Placebo" means "I will please" in Latin and was originally a word from Catholic prayers.
- Over time, it came to mean a treatment with no medicinal effect but which can cause perceived benefit.
Made From Scratch History
- "Made from scratch" comes from sports, where scratch meant the starting line.
- By 1946, it described cooking from basic ingredients, though its full food origin is partly unknown.
McDonald's Battle Over "McJob"
- McDonald's opposed the dictionary definition of "McJob" as a low-paid job and considered legal action.
- They countered with a campaign to positively redefine the term with slogans like "not bad for a McJob."
