Quick answer: 10th dentist (informal) — 10th dentist: person who holds an unpopular opinion. Meanwhile, Cunningham's Law (informal) — Cunningham's Law: the principle that posting a wrong answer attracts correct replies faster than asking a question.
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. Cunningham's Law ↗
Category: Internet essentials
Register: informal
Regions: Online
Cunningham's Law: the principle that posting a wrong answer attracts correct replies faster than asking a question.
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.
“When I couldn't solve the puzzle, Cunningham's Law reminded me to try a deliberately wrong guess to see if anyone would correct me.”
In plain English: When I couldn't solve the puzzle, the principle that posting a wrong answer attracts correct replies faster than asking a question reminded me to try a deliberately wrong guess to see if anyone would correct me.
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