Quick answer: 10th dentist (informal) — 10th dentist: person who holds an unpopular opinion. Meanwhile, orphan-crushing machine (informal) — orphan-crushing machine: system that causes suffering without being examined or considered for alternatives.
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. orphan-crushing machine ↗
Category: Internet essentials
Register: informal
Regions: Online
orphan-crushing machine: system that causes suffering without being examined or considered for alternatives.
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 brainstorming session, I labeled the endless email notifications an orphan-crushing machine because they drain everyone's morale.”
In plain English: During the brainstorming session, I labeled the endless email notifications an system that causes suffering without being examined or considered for alternatives because they drain everyone's morale.
Test both expressions in context
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