These six words have different meanings when scientists use them
The vocabulary of science can be quite confusing. Not only do scientists use highly technical jargon, they sometimes use the same words as the general public… but with different meanings. Unfortunately, the end result is that scientists can be misunderstood.
As an American who loves to travel, British English can be an unexpected source of confusion. For example, I wouldn’t recommend saying “fanny pack” to a Brit, as to them a “fanny” is slang for female genitalia. (The Brits say “bum bag.”) And if an American says they’re “pissed”, they mean they’re angry, while Brits mean they’re drunk. (And yes, these examples reveal my sophomoric sense of humor.)
We use language to communicate complex concepts, so it’s important to understand what someone means when they use a term. Here’s a brief list of six of the most commonly misunderstood words, and what scientists mean when they use them.
1. Skepticism: Skepticism is often associated with cynicism, contrarianism, negativity, or even denial. This is unfortunate, as scientific skepticism is simply insisting on
— source thinkingispower.com