Oct 29, 2026 · 4 min listen · Last updated October 29, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. It's Wit. October 29th. Seven things made me laugh out loud at my desk; we'll start with the worst one. Let's get into it. First, from The Hard Times. Local Guy Still Stoked From Using ‘Liminal’ in Conversation Two Weeks Ago.
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Daily Comedy Brief · October 29th
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Local Guy Still Stoked From Using ‘Liminal’ in Conversation Two Weeks Ago
In Manayunk, Pennsylvania, a brunch enthusiast named Edwin Smaddle is still riding high after successfully using the word “liminal” in conversation two weeks ago. Witnesses noted the moment was like a linguistic miracle, with Edwin feeling as if he had switched places with a divine being. His friends, initially skeptical due to his previous vocabulary misfires—like misusing “promulgate” and confusing “cruciferous”—are now both impressed and slightly envious.
Meg Gregory, a friend who’s seen Edwin’s ups and downs in wordplay, mentioned that his newfound confidence has made him a more generous tipper, though she noted his ego has inflated a bit too much. Meanwhile, lexicographer Melvin Frunk cautioned against the fleeting nature of trendy words, recalling past fads like “uncanny valley” and “solipsism.”
As Edwin revels in his moment of glory, he’s already scrambling to find the next clever word to keep his newfound status alive, hoping to avoid the fate of other once-popular terms.
Experts Find Skrillex Most Common Sleep Paralysis Demon for People Who Attended College in 2010
Researchers at the University of Miami have found that Skrillex is the most common sleep paralysis demon for those who attended college in 2010. According to lead researcher Noelle Phillips, it’s a mix of his unsettling music, wild hairstyle, and a hint of dark magic that made him a universal nightmare for many. Interestingly, students from Brigham Young University seem to be immune to this phenomenon, which raises questions about what exactly is happening at those parties.
Reactions from affected individuals reveal a shared sense of relief. Nick Klein, a millennial who’s been grappling with this issue, expressed his surprise at finding a community. He described his experiences with Skrillex in dreams as terrifying, especially when the DJ attempts to communicate through his signature wubs and dubs. Klein has even joined a support group called Killex, where discussions often revolve around their shared disdain for Skrillex.
Therapist Sarah Perretta weighed in, noting that this trend has been increasingly common over the past decade and a half. She likened the collective trauma of this sleep paralysis demon to the public's reaction to Mickey Rourke’s face at one point. Perretta emphasized the need for targeted outreach and education to help those struggling with the fear of this particular figure. As the study concludes, it’s worth noting that Asher Roth is a close second in the sleep paralysis rankings, suggesting that the early 2010s were a particularly haunting time for college students.
The Headless Horseman Doesn’t Want to Bother the ER
A guy finds himself in a bit of a pickle after a run-in with a low bridge—specifically, he’s missing his head. He insists he’s fine, downplaying the situation with a casualness that’s almost admirable. He’s got a scratch, sure, but he’s convinced it’s no big deal. He even jokes about how he’s sure his head will turn up eventually, as if it’s just misplaced like a set of keys.
He’s not keen on calling the paramedics, worried they’d roll their eyes at yet another decapitation. He’s got gauze at home, and he thinks he can manage without bothering the ER, where there are people with “real” injuries. He’s got insurance, but it’s not about the money; he just doesn’t want to take up space from someone who might need help more urgently.
He’s also got some practical concerns—like the fact that if he goes to the hospital, they might want to keep him overnight. No head means no nose, and he’s already fretting about how he’ll manage without his CPAP or his phone charger. Plus, there’s a book club commitment looming over him. He proposes a deal: he’ll seek help if any spinal fluid starts leaking. Until then, he just needs directions to Sleepy Hollow, navigating the world with a distinct lack of visibility.