Definition

“Okay class, we’ve spent a lot of time writing down these complicated expressions. Well, it turns out we can’t actually evaluate these, so we’re just going to use some tricks to get approximate solutions.”

Strategic Email

Don’t tell me Handwaving never gives out good advice for academia!

Enthusiasm

The best is when they break a piece, pause, try again, and break another piece a few moments later.

Breakthrough

Ah, there’s nothing more relaxing than writing grant applications. They really make you indulge in your biggest fantasies for your research.

Show Me

It’s funny how many disagreements ultimately end like this.

Fractional Gains

Beware of percentages.

Basics

I sometimes notice myself rolling my eyes when I see another explanation of a basic concept that I know well, but then I realize that the target audience is not me.

Communicating to the public is important and distinct from communicating with experts.

Loyal

Admit it. You have a pet like this, too.

Existential Risk

“Oh yeah, and that’s a good thing you won’t be able to sleep. That’s what I call ‘taking it seriously’!”

Disclaimer: I do not know what kind of values for such an app would be typical, but I think any number other than zero is a little terrifying.

Blending

I am only able to spot this within my own field, but I am certain that I get misled by experts in other fields when they feel compelled to mix in their own ideas.

There is no harm with stating your viewpoint, but it should be clearly distinct from the rest of the science. In that sense, I like thinking of good science communication like a layer cake. Each part is clearly marked so confusion is left to a minimum.