Definition of a handwave

handwave

noun

• an instance of hand-waving as described in the verb sense.

  Boy, what a handwave!

  Last edited on Nov 10 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

verb

• an insufficient (and often dismissive) explanation of something complex.
  • See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.

  Last edited on Nov 10 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Related words

Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'computer slang':
IIRC	Definitions include: acronym for "if I recall correctly."
IMO	Definitions include: acronym for "in my opinion".
FWP	Definitions include: acronym for "First World problem" or "First World problems".
look and feel	Definitions include: the general appearance of software or a website.
WWYD	Definitions include: acronym for "what would you do".
BFF	Definitions include: acronym for "best friend(s) forever".
AFAICT	Definitions include: acronym for "as far as I can tell".
FTA	Definitions include: acronym for "from the article."
quote chapter and verse	Definitions include: to cite a relevant excerpt from some text.
wedged	Definitions include: nauseous, irritable, with an aching body and headaches, as a result of staying awake too long.
gc	Definitions include: acronym for "group chat".
PHB	Definitions include: acronym for "pointy-haired boss".
FOCROFLOL	Definitions include: acronym for "falling off chair, rolling on floor, laughing out loud".
footprint	Definitions include: the typical amount of computing resources taken up by a computer program.
foo	Definitions include: colloquial pronunciation of fool.
(show 591 more)

Slang terms with the same root words

None. How about some random words?

chaser	Definitions include: a drink consumed after an alcoholic drink, especially fruit juice or cola after a shot of liquor.
brainiac	Definitions include: an intelligent person.
sustentare	Definitions include: To sustain or support or endorse; or to sustain and support and endorse; or of any combinational usage of the three verbs.
no joy	Definitions include: "unsuccessful".
feel like crap	Definitions include: to feel terrible.
breeze	Definitions include: talking rubbish. Comes from the longer term "chatting breeze", meaning it's just a load of hot air.
random	Definitions include: any person whom the speaker doesn't know well.
on the ropes	Definitions include: in a position in which a person needs to be careful, lest they suffer some consequence.
gayborhood	Definitions include: the area of a city with a concentration of businesses that cater to a largely homosexual client base.
butt hair	Definitions include: a measure of very minute distance.

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