Skip to main content

scientific-wild-ass guess

The term is generally used by financial, technical professionals and project managers to describe a solid assumption of a numeric target. It is far more than a guess or even a good guess. One is attempting to accurately estimate a number associated with for example a budget or time requirement using the available limited data or in the worse case no data.

If the individual offering the SWAG projection is well recognized and qualified in his area of expertise and he is offering it within that expertise, the likelihood that the SWAG will be taken seriously is high, especially if he has a proven track record.

Someone when challenged on where he came up with his numbers says "well its a SWAG" and he lacks the credentials to support it, is not likely to be taken seriously. In other word, some people use SWAG as a casual term instead of saying I guess.
When challenged to project the budget for a project whose concept is new to the organization, a scientific-wild-ass guess (SWAG) may be the only means of generating a realistic set of numbers. Consult experts in the various areas that may be involved. Example: A new product that has a market pull but has no material, manufacturing processes or facilities but needs to be brought on line within a set period of time, will by necessity require some SWAG. Having a SWAG number helps to provide guidance even if it is not totally accurate. It is far better than having an open checkbook.
by nyma72 December 26, 2013
mugGet the scientific-wild-ass guess mug.

the history of the entire world, i guess

a genius video made by Bill Wurts, explaining the history of the entire world as he assumed by reading a lot of shit on Wikipedia, from the start of the universe to the current day. you should go watch it and subscribe to him.
"Have you seen "the history of the entire world, I guess"?"
"nope wtf is it"
"It's a funny video explaining the history of the universe"
"why"
"the sun is a deadly laser"
by totiro May 31, 2017
mugGet the the history of the entire world, i guess mug.
Related Words

Born Guesser

A student that doesn't do their homework but argues about his score; often by citing random anecdotes.
That guys a Born Guesser. He found some random website to argue he knows more than the teacher.
by EconFreak May 5, 2016
mugGet the Born Guesser mug.

I guess

If there’s a yes or no question, people usually say this if they are uncomfortable responding with yes or no. OR, someone says something to them and they feel obligated to agree and don’t want to come off as rude, but don’t actually agree one bit!
Person 1: Isn’t she sooo nice?

Person 2: I guess...

Person 1: you’re like SOOO good at soccer right?
Person 2: I mean I guess
by Thegr8testputa#1 February 4, 2019
mugGet the I guess mug.

bitch I guess

An expression used by an individual who has been asked a question but does not know the answer.
Dude: Hey dudette, what happened in chemistry class?

Dudette:umm, Bitch I guess!
by PokarFace June 17, 2010
mugGet the bitch I guess mug.

second-guess

do not second-guess my idea .
by Tallbhazzi January 27, 2019
mugGet the second-guess mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email