A field guide to the way we talk now.Context over guesswork
My words
Menu +
USAGE COMPARISON · Online

10th dentist vs. foob

How they differ in meaning, register, and real conversations.

Quick answer: 10th dentist (informal) — 10th dentist: person who holds an unpopular opinion. Meanwhile, foob (informal) — foob: prosthetic breast after mastectomy.

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. foob ↗

Category: Internet essentials
Register: informal
Regions: Online

foob: prosthetic breast after mastectomy.

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 video call, she adjusted the camera to hide her foob while discussing the new project with the team.”
In plain English: During the video call, she adjusted the camera to hide her prosthetic breast after mastectomy while discussing the new project with the team.

Test both expressions in context

Quiz yourself on 10th dentist & foob ↗ Browse all slang comparisons →

ONE WORD, A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT.

Language moves. Stay in the conversation.

Follow new entries via RSS