The Archive

Etymology Journal · D

Don't sweat the small stuff

Meaning

This is a reminder to focus your energy on major life issues rather than getting bogged down by trivial annoyances. If it does not matter in the long run, it is considered small stuff.

Wise, calming

Used in a sentence

  • You are losing sleep over the color of the napkins, but honey, don't sweat the small stuff.
  • The wedding planning is stressful, but just don't sweat the small stuff.
  • Stop arguing about who gets the corner office and don't sweat the small stuff.

The backstory

The phrase became a massive cultural phenomenon in the nineties thanks to Richard Carlson's best-selling self-help book of the same name. Its roots are likely tied to older stoic philosophies adapted for pop psychology.

Heard in

Nationwide

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