Tags:
  1. agasfer

    agasfer Member

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2016
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    22
    Location:
    Haifa

    Grammar vocabulary hunt

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by agasfer, Jan 17, 2018.

    I am looking for a word or expression that means roughly
    "a term which is commonly thought of as understood but in reality few non-specialists really do".
    Sort of a linguistic urban myth.
    An example might be "fabric of space", which is kicked around in popular science articles and non-physicists just read on as if they know what it means, even though, if you pressed the non-physicists, they could not tell you what it is.
    So, I need an expression which is a little of the reverse of "hidden in plain sight."
    Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
     
  2. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2016
    Messages:
    22,566
    Likes Received:
    25,882
    Location:
    East devon/somerset border
    A person who thinks they understand but doesn't really would be referred to as an "armchair expert" in the UK. Or a barrack room lawyer in matters legal
     
  3. Iain Sparrow

    Iain Sparrow Banned Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2016
    Messages:
    1,107
    Likes Received:
    1,062
    According to one of the scientists who has studied her bones, she is a Rosetta Stone for understanding our early evolution.
     
  4. SethLoki

    SethLoki Retired Autodidact Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2011
    Messages:
    1,566
    Likes Received:
    1,655
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    First thing that came to mind for me was 'misnomer'.

    So... maybe 'an obvious misnomer' ?
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice