Quick answer: 10th dentist (informal) — 10th dentist: person who holds an unpopular opinion. Meanwhile, attack helicopter (context-dependent) — attack helicopter: armed helicopter capable of engaging ground targets.
1. 10th dentist ↗
Category: Internet essentials
Register: informal
Regions: Online
10th dentist: person who holds an unpopular opinion.
When it fits: Choose this wording when the meaning above fits what you intend to say. Give the reader enough surrounding context to follow the example; if clarity matters more than the shorthand, use the plain-English wording instead.
When to avoid: Avoid assuming that a label reveals somebody’s motives or private behavior. If you are unsure how your words will be understood, explain the situation directly and ask a clarifying question rather than relying on the expression alone.
“During the heated debate, I called him a 10th dentist when he stubbornly defended his fringe theory despite overwhelming evidence.”
In plain English: During the heated debate, I called him a person who holds an unpopular opinion when he stubbornly defended his fringe theory despite overwhelming evidence.
2. attack helicopter ↗
Category: Internet essentials
Register: context-dependent
Regions: Online
attack helicopter: armed helicopter capable of engaging ground targets.
When it fits: Choose this wording when the meaning above fits what you intend to say. Give the reader enough surrounding context to follow the example; if clarity matters more than the shorthand, use the plain-English wording instead.
When to avoid: Avoid assuming that a label reveals somebody’s motives or private behavior. If you are unsure how your words will be understood, explain the situation directly and ask a clarifying question rather than relying on the expression alone.
“During the online strategy game, the commander ordered an attack helicopter to provide fire support for the advancing troops.”
In plain English: During the online strategy game, the commander ordered an armed helicopter capable of engaging ground targets to provide fire support for the advancing troops.
Test both expressions in context
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