He meant it as an insult -- and accidentally named the most important theory in cosmology

British astronomer Fred Hoyle appeared on a BBC radio program and dismissed the idea that the universe began in a single explosive event. He mockingly called it a 'Big Bang,' preferring his own Steady State theory. But the catchy phrase stuck. Scientists and the public adopted 'Big Bang' as the name for the theory that the universe expanded from an extremely hot, dense initial state. Hoyle's attempt to ridicule the idea accidentally gave it the perfect brand. The Big Bang theory is now supported by overwhelming evidence; the Steady State theory has been abandoned.