The Pauli Effect is a humorous invention; it is not to be confused with the Pauli exclusion principle, which is a bona fide physical phenomenon.
Since the 20th century, the work of physics research has been divided between "theorists" and "experimentalists" (see scientific method). Only a few physicists, such as Fermi, have been successful in both roles. Lacking skill and experience in experimental work, many theorists have earned a reputation for accidentally breaking experimental equipment.
Pauli was exceptional in this regard; it was said that he was such a good theorist that any experiments would self-destruct simply due to his presence. For fear of the Pauli Effect, the German-American experimental physicist Otto Stern banned Pauli from his laboratory, despite their friendship.