Definition of handwaving

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.

+	Add a definition for this slang term

Share Tweet E-mail	More info:	Interactive stats:
	R  Related words	Usage Vulgarity SlangMap

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?

love muscle	Definitions include: penis.
kink	Definitions include: a small problem.
feel-good hit of the summer	Definitions include: something popular but lacking in substance.
digital immaturity	Definitions include: It is the state of a person or a society that has access to ICT where its use does not conform to ethical, legal, and moral standards set by the digital community and society that leads to ICT misuse, abuse, and inefficiency.
elecalf	Definitions include: A baby elephant
Google-fu	Definitions include: talent in using the Google search engine.
twirk	Definitions include: To dance
all bark and no bite	Definitions include: to talk a lot but never take action.
roach killers	Definitions include: pointy-toed boots.
tune in	Definitions include: to listen to a radio program.

How common is this slang?

Don't click the following.
I use it	(3)
No longer use it	(1)
Heard it but never used it	(2)
Have never heard it	(6)

How vulgar is this slang?

Average of 6 votes: 23%  (See the most vulgar words.)

Least vulgar

Most vulgar

Your vote: None   (To vote, click the pepper. Vote how vulgar the word is – not how mean it is.)

Least vulgar

Most vulgar

Where is this slang used?

Logged-in users can add themselves to the map. Login, Register, Login instantly with Facebook.

Link to this slang definition

To link to this term in a web page or blog, insert the following.

<a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/handwaving">handwaving</a>

To link to this term in a wiki such as Wikipedia, insert the following.

[http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/handwaving handwaving]

Some wikis use a different format for links, so be sure to check the documentation.