Zeigarnik effect

In psychology, the Zeigarnik effect (named after Lithuanian-Soviet psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik) postulates that people remember unfinished or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. In Gestalt psychology, the Zeigarnik effect has been used to demonstrate the general presence of Gestalt phenomena: not just appearing as perceptual effects, but also present in cognition.

The Zeigarnik effect should not be confused with the Ovsiankina effect, an urge to complete tasks previously initiated. Maria Ovsiankina, a colleague of Zeigarnik, investigated the effect of task interruption on the tendency to resume the task at the next opportunity.

I can't stop thinking about that unfinished novel; it's like the Zeigarnik effect is haunting me, making it impossible to focus on anything else until I get back to it.

by Emotional Cruiser November 4, 2025

The daylight effect

When working third shift, while it's dark outside you are tired and fatigued either due to lack of sleep, or exhaustion but when morning light appears (daylight) You are suddenly full of energy and awake like you haven't worked 12 hours shift

Me: "dude, I'm so eepy but I can't eep because of the stupid daylight effect
Them: What's the daylight effect?

Me: oh it's where I can't sleep because my brain thinks that the sun being out means my day is just starting when it's supposed to be ending

by El-dawg February 27, 2025

the misto effect

A condition people go through that makes them obsessed in a love/anger matter.

"Oh wow they're obsessed.. must be the misto effect."

"So true girl, hope they get well soon.. what a pity."

by raqiya November 30, 2023

Bouteflika Effect

When an Algerian president is clearly too sick to show up in public, but every talking head on TV suddenly becomes a medical expert insisting he’s the picture of health and leadership. Basically, a synchronized national boot-licking exercise to keep their cushy jobs.

"Hey, where’s Tebboune? Didn’t he vanish after that El-Harrach mess? Heard he’s chilling in a German hospital."

"Classic Bouteflika Effect—nothing says ‘fit to rule’ like vanishing during a national disaster, gotta love it!"

by Lynda_Joy August 29, 2025

The Ahmed Effect

Having sexual intercourse with “Ahmed” and not being able to walk after the fact.

I had sex last night. I fully feel The Ahmed Effect…He fully put Ahmed Effected me.

by Jayjoe132 May 26, 2024

The Singing Dog Effect

The Singing Dog Effect is named for a musical artist in the furry fandom who uses the tagline in their songs. It describes the phenomenon that musicians in the furry fandom are just as capable of creating good music as those outside of the community, but when the song is explicitly about furry culture it is often regarded as not as good as their other work.

Caramel: "Did you hear Nondistinct Furry Band's new song?"

Pepper: "Yeah but to be honest I didn't really like it. The Singing Dog Effect strikes again."

by jgcoverknot August 30, 2024

Bruggles Effect

The "Bruggles Effect" kicks in when a member of the band "The Bruggles" absolutely slays on stage, blowing everyone's minds with their killer performance and effortless charm. It leads to fans practically jumping on the band member after their performance, wanting to rip off their clothes to show their adoration and desire for connection, all thanks to the magnetic allure and rockstar vibes of the Bruggles.

Dude, did you see Paul after the Viennesse Ball? That guy really took advantage of the Bruggles effect.

by PaulDaMan April 30, 2024