Shiny Object

The distracting item, person, or activity that keeps you from doing what you should be doing.

Something unintentional or unforseen that distracts you from getting anything done or goals accomplished.

Marlene was working at peak efficiency when opening up her email became the "shiny object" to her day.

I really wanted to be productive this weekend, but my kid getting sick became my shiny object.

by ADHD Fabulous June 3, 2009

Shiny Object

A person of the opposite sex used to distract you for a short period of time, not intended for the long term.

Kelly hooked up with Rob last night, but she's not interested in dating him, he's just a shiny object to her.

by northeastchik October 23, 2009

shiny objects

Someone who is easily distracted by shiny objects, similar to a cat who gets distracted when you shake a shiny object or toy in his face. A person who is not very intelligent.

That girl is so dumb. Yeah, she's easily distracted by shiny objects.

by Kristi Longmire May 30, 2008

Shiny Object Tendency

The tendency to lose focus on the subject/objective due to a "shiny object" (aka distraction) caused by focusing too much attention on something indirectly related to that subject/objective. It could be an uknown word, a confusing analogy, a new cliche phrase you've never heard before (aka "corporate talk"), etc.

While sitting in a business meeting listening intently and taking notes on the subjectmatter at hand, a word is mentioned during the discussion that you don't know the meaning of, and automatically you start focusing on that word trying to figure it out while the discussion continues. Eventually you realize you got distracted, but a shitload of information has already been discussed. Although you're able to recall the topic, all the details have zoomed by and all you can do is hope that no one asks for your opinion regarding those details that you missed. Any attempts to restart your notetaking or get back up to speed are futile since whatever notes you take now are unable to be connected with where you left off due to that "shiny object."

by anghang January 27, 2005

shiny object syndrome

To be driven toward shiny objects. Usually related to projects, in the sense that you won't finish one project before starting a new one.

Brent's shiny object syndrome prevents him from finishing any project before starting something new.

by Pygarp November 17, 2016

shiny object reaction

getting distracted by something awesome or flamboyant, especially during an important conversation or event.

Girl: I really appreciate you being here for me... It means a lot that you...
Guy: LOOK! Free Pizza Day is next month!
Girl:... Just had a shiny object reaction.

by Cross51 July 25, 2010

SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome)

A condition which causes an inability to focus on any particular person while online dating. SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome) generally occurs in the early stages between initial contact and meeting for coffee. Signs of onset include: a) habitual perusing of profiles b) a desire to maintain prior conversations and c) enticement with new inbox messages. In severe cases, lack of sleep is commonly noted. Unfortunately, sufferers of SOS become nearly incapacitated at meeting another person.

Shelby: I started conversing with Jerome online, our messages were engaging, and all seemed to be going well, then suddenly he simply disengaged. I just don't understand it.
Tara: This sounds like a classic case of SOS, Shelby, and he's suffering from exposure to SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome), which has incapacitated him.
Shelby: What shall I do?
Tara: Unfortunately, there is no known cure for SOS, which leaves you to search new profiles and email enticing messages.

by chukar October 24, 2014