Danack's definitions

Aric's Law

AI is good at everything except what I do.

An example of Aric's Law - "I recently chatted with a VC who believed AGI was coming and would disrupt a lot of jobs, but not *their* job. Of course AIs could write code and review contracts. But making accurate, calibrated predictions about the future? *That's* uniquely human."

by Danack August 17, 2025

Known Idiot

A person who carries out idiotic action even when they should know better.

For example, Donald Trump wiping his lips then shaking hands during a corona virus press conference.

Donald Trump is a known idiot when it comes to the corona virus.

by Danack March 14, 2020

Rectoring

A shorter form of refactoring.

In software 'refactoring' code means changing the layout of the code, without changing it's behaviour.

Rectoring code means refactoring it with an automated tool rather than wasting time refactoring it by hand.

I think refactoring this code is going to take too long, and be prone to bugs. Rectoring it with an automated tool would take far less time and be far easier.

by Danack May 5, 2020

extract digit

A more polite way to say pull your finger out.

On the 3rd of May 1945, Allied forces, including the Indian 26th Division and a Gurkha parachute battalion, retook Rangoon from the Japanese ("Opration Dracula"), effectively ending #WW2 in Burma. Over Insein prison, planes spotted these messages by UK POWs ready for liberation: "Japs gone. Extract digit."

by Danack May 3, 2020

Lanyarista

Person employed by local government who has a large salary and does not give a single shit of about how well they do their job or not. Always wears at least one lanyard signifying their power over the public.

Did you hear the Lanyarista who screwed up Bristol Council's Housing department got a £64k pay off to go away quietly?

by Danack July 19, 2025

wibbling

When the words someone is saying descend into less and less useful details to the point that they realise they are not saying anything useful

I'm going to stop by the store to pickup some potatoes on my way home....hmm, should I get some green veg? I know we've got those leeks that needing up, but I was thinking it might be nice to do a roast on Sunday, and I don't want to have to go to the store again....ah, ignore me, I'm just wibbling here.

by Danack May 9, 2020

derpreciate

When something lessens in price or estimated value as a result of an act of stupidity, or derp.

The population of the UK voted for Brexit and now the British pound has been derpreciated.

by Danack June 7, 2018