Huh. Up til now I thought "potboiler" meant mildly entertaining filler, "a way t... | Hacker News

Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit

srtjstjsj on Oct 3, 2020 | parent | context | favorite | on: Enjoy the Best, Not the Latest, Media

Huh. Up til now I thought "potboiler" meant mildly entertaining filler, "a way to pass the time while waiting for a pot to boil", since "a watched pot never boils".

PaulRobinson on Oct 3, 2020 [–]

And I always thought it was something that built up suspense like a pot builds up a boil.

A quick dig around suggests the etymology described in the article is correct though. TIL, etc.

barbs on Oct 3, 2020 | [–]

And I thought it was a low effort, slightly humorous film that stoners would watch while "boiling pot" in their bongs. :P

Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.
Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact