What are Layman's Terms?

Just what are they?

What Are Layman’s Terms?

I understand it to mean that you´re "dumbing something down" so that any ordinary person can understand what you´re saying.

I wouldn't call it dumbing down Amayo ;) but you are exactly right. It means speaking in language or terms, "everyday language", that a "layman" or ordinary person can understand as opposed to technical, medical, legal, scientific, etc., terms that only professionals in a particular field can understand.

For instance, you take your car to a garage and the mechanic tells you that you need something done that you never heard of, or your doctor tells you what's wrong with you in medical "gobbledygook" that you don't understand. You'd say "Give me that in layman's terms", right?.

You're right, dumbing down is not politically correct. I have found that Latin Americans are not as sensitive as North Americans with this type of terminology though. I do apologize if I offended you though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by amayo

...dumbing down is not politically correct.

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Believe it or not, this definition is to be found at the website of the government body named Plain Language Action and Information Network: Plain language is just about text—shortening it, dumbing it down.

So...None taken, Amayo!

Besides, both things are connected: plain language - layman's terms. :)

Hahaha... okay now I don't feel so bad. Thanks gentle!

Certainly no offense taken amayo. Never entered my head. Tranquilo

Trust me that it threw me a book to see it explained that way at a government's website! :) At any rate, it seems that they do want to use plain language to get the message through.