theoretical 

Something based on experience; a guess based on what you know.

Planet X was a theoretical planet that scientists thought existed. They mistook from a miscalculation in Neptune's mass.

theoretical by mr.mcswagsalot December 12, 2016

Theoretical 

Now I know what you are going to say but...

Hym "My contribution to AI can be both theoretical and material (like the theory of gravity) and that doesn't require everything I've done to be both theoretical and material. That one is and the other one is not."

Theoretical by Hym Iam February 4, 2025

theoretical 

the thing your girlfriend is

1: did you hear about robert's new girlfriend?

2: you mean his theoretical girlfriend

theoretical by ferrousfermion August 27, 2025

Theoretical bug 

When you discover that your code is not giving the right results, not because there is any bug in your program, but because there is a bug in the theory on which it is based.

Theoretical bugs are rare but more common than thought. When you find one, your perception of the world improves quantically.

A more day to day example, it is when you realize something you never saw before, not because it was not there, but because your mental model of the world didn't include it.

case 1
JC: I've been trying to find the bug in this program all night, but its looks perfect. Don't know why sometimes is producing weird results.
Guru: Its time to chase some Theoretical bugs.

case 2:

Linux_user: The problem with microsoft is not that they produced bad programs, but they copypasted so much software from other people, that the outcome was a walking Theoretical bug. At some much extent that, when it crashed it means it was really working.

Theoretical bug by jcmid February 5, 2010

Theoretical Friend 

Old friends that you never really hear from anymore, apart from the occasional Text msg, Email or fleeting birthday card, that always contains one of the phrases: "we should meet up, hang out, do something, I'll call you..." but never actually make any arrangements. These are good on paper mates, those that bump up your personal sense of popularity but never actually see. Friends in theory.

"Are you kidding, Annie's not going to come, she's a Theoretical Friend..."

Theoretical Friend by KimberleyStrange July 16, 2008

theoretical high five 

A high five which does not actually take place. The THF is initiated, followed by a short pause and then the uttering of the word "nice" by both participants.

Girl: Theoretical high five!
*short pause*
Girl + Guy: Nice!

theoretical high five by Devin & Sarah January 10, 2008

theoretical cougar 

A woman of cougar age (usually divorced, separated or unmarried). She doesn't hunt younger men. Instead she lusts at them and mentions it to her close friends and/or relatives in private.

Mom (in a whisper): "Meredith, you see those 5 guys over there? They're hot! Aren't they?"

Meredith: "OMG Mom!!! Those guys are all my age!!!"

Mom (still whispering): "Yeah, I know. But I'd love to get with one of 'em. Too bad I could never tell them that."

Meredith: "You're such a theoretical cougar"

theoretical cougar by blacksburgcougee November 19, 2011