# Cunningham's Law

Cunningham's Law: the principle that posting a wrong answer attracts correct replies faster than asking a question.

Canonical URL: https://slanglane.com/terms/cunninghams-law
Release: daily-2026-11-09
Checked: 2026-11-08T07:30:37.516Z
Register: informal
Language: general
Review: automated-evidence-review

## Meaning

For “Cunningham's Law”, this entry covers the following meaning: the principle that posting a wrong answer attracts correct replies faster than asking a question.

## Original examples

> 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.

Context: An original, invented situation. Compare the expression with the plain-English substitution below it; the people and events are illustrative.

> During the live chat, Cunningham's Law suggested I post an obviously incorrect fact to prompt the experts to chime in with the right one.

In plain English: During the live chat, the principle that posting a wrong answer attracts correct replies faster than asking a question suggested I post an obviously incorrect fact to prompt the experts to chime in with the right one.

Context: An original, invented situation. Compare the expression with the plain-English substitution below it; the people and events are illustrative.

## 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.

## Mind the context

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.

## Important differences

### Other readings

Check the whole sentence before choosing a reading. This entry explains one checked sense; when that reading does not fit, ask the writer what they meant instead of forcing the definition onto the conversation.

## Backstory

This automated entry does not establish a first coinage. Consult the linked references for documented history.

## Questions

### How can I check whether this meaning of “Cunningham's Law” fits?

Substitute the plain-English meaning into the entire sentence, as in the examples. Keep the surrounding situation in view. If the result does not make sense, ask for clarification rather than assuming this is the intended reading.

### How can I make my own message clearer?

Add the missing context or choose a direct description of what you mean. Read the whole message back before sending it, especially if another person could take the label differently.

## Sources

- [Cunningham's Law — English entry, revision 87705446](https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Cunningham's%20Law&oldid=87705446) — Wiktionary contributors. Checked 2026-11-08T07:30:37.516Z. Supports: summary; meaning; partOfSpeech.

Source texts retain their original licenses. Definitions and factual notes are research-informed; examples and usage advice are original SlangLane writing.