cubbyhole effect

Coined by Mara and Gus in 2022, the cubbyhole effect occurs when you talk about a highly specific topic and in less than 24 hours, the topic becomes relevant. The shorter amount of time between the first and second mentions makes it even more cubbyhole. As of April 2022, the fastest cubbyhole effect occurred in less than 5 seconds.

Mom: you should really learn Spanish.
James: yeah, probably should. Line is crazy long here at the DMV.
DMV employee: DOES ANYONE HERE KNOW SPANISH?
James: damn, cubbyhole effect