Here’s some funny stuff for you all. A list of funny phrases and their cool definitions that might help you understand the mysterious language of science and medicine.
“It has long been known”… ~ I didn’t look up the original reference.
“A definite trend is evident”… ~ These data are practically meaningless.
“While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the questions”… ~ An unsuccessful experiment but I still hope to get it published.
“Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study”… ~ The other results didn’t make any sense.
“Typical results are shown”… ~ This is the prettiest graph.
“These results will be in a subsequent report”… ~ I might get around to this sometime, if pushed/funded.
“In my experience”… ~ Once.
“In case after case”… ~ Twice.
“In a series of cases”… ~ Thrice.
“It is believed that”… ~ I think.
“It is generally believed that”… ~ A couple of others think so, too.
“Correct within an order of magnitude”… ~ Wrong.
“According to statistical analysis”… ~ Rumour has it.
“A statistically-oriented projection of the significance of these findings”… ~ A wild guess.
“A careful analysis of obtainable data”… ~ Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over a glass of iced tea.
“It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs”… ~ I don’t understand it.
“After additinal study by my colleagues”… ~ They don’t understand it either.
“Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assitance with the experiment and to Cindy Adams for valuable discussions”… ~ Mr. Blotz did the work and Ms. Adams explained to me what it meant.
“A highly significant area for exploratory study”… ~ A totally useless topic selected by my committee.
“It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field”… ~ I quit.
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