Side Quest
Stable🌍UniversalDefinition
An unplanned detour or unexpected activity that takes you away from what you were supposed to be doing. From video games where side quests are optional missions separate from the main story.
Translation for Parents
It's when your kid goes to the store for milk and comes back with a skateboard and no milk. That detour? Side quest. Every trip to Target where you end up in aisles you didn't plan on is a side quest. You've been doing side quests your whole life.
Examples
“I was supposed to study but I went on a 3-hour YouTube side quest”
“I was supposed to study but got distracted watching YouTube for 3 hours”
“Quick side quest to get boba then we'll go home”
“Let's make a quick unplanned stop for boba tea before heading home”
Cringe Score
Safe to use
You can and should use this. 'Family, we're going on a side quest' before making an unexpected stop is genuinely good parenting.
Category
general
Peak
2024-01
Last Verified
2026-02-25
Sources
urban_dictionary, reddit