Urban Dictionary Merch
Your favorite words on things you can wear, drink from, read, or give to a friend.
The Urban Dictionary Store sells gifts you’ll have to explain.
The Gwen Stefani Effect
The strange sensation one may feel when an object, person, or concept they hadn't considered for a very long time suddenly crops up at several moments in the same day, or across a very brief period of time.
It often gives the impression that one is being 'followed around' by the entity in question, and several philosophical debates have been raised as to whether the frequency of the sightings is increased as a result of a universal anomaly, or simply the fact that being re-exposed to the object makes one more susceptible to perceive it in daily life.
Named for the first recorded instance, involving Gwen Stefani.
It often gives the impression that one is being 'followed around' by the entity in question, and several philosophical debates have been raised as to whether the frequency of the sightings is increased as a result of a universal anomaly, or simply the fact that being re-exposed to the object makes one more susceptible to perceive it in daily life.
Named for the first recorded instance, involving Gwen Stefani.
"Oh my gosh, it's The Gwen Stefani Effect. I hadn't thought about Silverchair for so many years, but I just heard them on the radio and my friends mentioned them at school today! Am I being followed?"
The Gwen Stefani Effect by Chrisyntax March 19, 2016
Related Words
Stefano the Great
The legendary tale of a young man who conquered the world with his knowledge and charm. Long considered a myth, as no written records were ever found— or were they?
Stefano the Great by Kings and queens of the land June 1, 2025
More from Urban Dictionary
fauxstalgia
Faux nostalgia. Faking old things in an attempt to recapture the feeling of times gone past, especially of technology that has passed.
fauxstalgia by scotte61 December 16, 2010
Word of the Day on October 15, 2026
pajama casual
Pajama casual is a term used when working from home and preparing for a video conference. All business above the waist and your pajama pants down below.
pajama casual by jrod-knows March 31, 2020
Word of the Day on October 14, 2026
funflation
The recent boom in consumer spending on entertainment and experiences with a high demand running up the cost of enjoying of those experiences.
I’m trying to go to this Taylor Swift concert but the funflation has made it so impossible for me to afford tickets.
funflation by Dfree523 November 17, 2023
Word of the Day on October 13, 2026
swamp dog
swamp dog by Crystal Ambrose May 22, 2006
Word of the Day on October 12, 2026
Throat Sweats
Throat Sweats by TacoFings420 April 23, 2024
Word of the Day on October 11, 2026