statistical unicorn

The term for an event, happening or situation that's commonly accepted to be true, but actually exists infrequently or not at all.

Politicians spend a lot of time arguing about how tax hikes will ruin small business owners, but the increases only apply to those making over $250,000/year and the median amount an owner of a small employing business draws from his/her firm in a year is about $72,500. In fact, 6 percent earn less than $12,500 and only 5 percent earn $250,000 or more.

Therefore, small business owners affected by this issue are statistical unicorns.

by pilla naty February 4, 2010