Numerati's definitions

Pilanthropy

Short for “Pi Philanthropy.” A showy donation by a geeky or vanity billionaire to fund pi research, which could inexplicably or allegedly help save planet Earth from extinction, or which would increase the chances of earthlings communicating with extraterrestrials in order to avoid any mishap that could lead into a galactic war.

Bezos and Branson are donating close to half a billion bucks to the Center of Pi Research—doesn’t their pilanthropy sound like some kind of insincere telescopic philanthropy to distract the skeptical public from questioning why both are paying so little tax on the billions they’d amassed during the pandemic?

by Numerati August 10, 2023

Alien Pi

When a mean neighbor had come in the middle of the night, while you were away, to mow your lawn flattened in the shape of the number π, which your consoling community claimed to be a “crop circle” signifying an advanced civilization, most likely caused by some extraterrestrial visitors.

Mr. Paulos made a police report about his lawn probably being vandalized by some inconsiderate alien pi forces.

by Numerati November 12, 2023

First-World Christianity

When the majority of even lower-middle class believers in developed countries selfishly focus on their perceived lack and discontent, who already live in abundance and comfort, compared to their brothers and sisters who are struggling to put food on the table or feed their families.

Be it on rising costs of living, influx of immigrants, or access to abortion and fertility clinics, what percentage of the faithful in America are often guilty of practicing a form of faux or first-world Christianity?

by Numerati July 30, 2024

Pi as Propaganda

When the number π is used to draw attention to herself through posters, banners, and graffiti in public places, because these oft-powerful images can influence or change people’s minds about the mathematical constant.

Unlike other noteworthy but struggling constants like e and 𝜙, π has continually succeeded to be part of popular culture, because she believes that “pi as propaganda” is an effective marketing tool to remain relevant in the minds of both math and nonmath people.

by Numerati November 23, 2024

Matherapy

When indulging in some math-related activity or project could serve as a powerful wellness practice, be it reading a pop or recreational math book, or solving some math puzzles or trickies, or philosophizing about simple or abstract math concepts or proofs.

Prescribing matherapy to her patients—even to those who’d had a negative experience of school math, or who’d called themselves a “nonmath person”—Dr. Janice is encouraged by their high healing success rate—no side effects as a result of zero prescription of medication and pseudoscientific therapies.

by Numerati March 30, 2025

Boy Math

The dummy or silly logic used by half-geeky males or semi-innumerates, who think that they are getting a good deal or making a smart move from their decision or action—their faux or fuzzy logic, or bigly calculations or guesstimations, often makes them a figure of fun.

Boy math is using a dollar bill as a bookmark that costs two bucks.
Boy math is driving two hours to and fro to save twenty bucks.
Boy math is buying indexed-funds hoping to retire prematurely.

by Numerati December 18, 2024

Mathematical Slowies

Non-trick or non-tricky math questions that you can do at your snail’s pace without worry or fear of having to sit for any killer test or exam—they are recommended for self-confessed folks who pride themselves of being “hopeless at math,” or not being born with the “math gene.”

Mathematical slowies are the opposite of “mathematical quickies,” which are generally solved with some insight, and often accompanied by an occasional aha! reaction.

by Numerati January 19, 2025