handwaving

Ovoid a debate with the complaint that no one knows the answer. Meant to stop the need to look for change.

He literally waved his hands, saying, “Who knows what can be done!” It was just a lot of handwaving.

handwaving by Old Gaga April 25, 2025

hand waving

Also written handwaving. In formal conversation / speech omitting important details about the subject matter either because 1) the audience is perceived to be ignorant 2) the speaker themselves is not well-informed on the subject matter or 3) a little from column A and a little from column B.

The math professor only gave a partial description of the proof as she used hand waving to get through the most difficult part and told the students to study the remained of the proof at home.

hand waving by demongolemz October 21, 2011

hand waving

Attempting to get past a moment when a difficult explanation is required.

His project was late and all he could offer was some hand waving.

hand waving by Laelia October 23, 2003

handwavium 

a term used when a science fiction writer "waves his hands" at reality and hard science for the sake of the plot. Refers to all unrealistic or impossible technology, such as faster-than-light travel, teleportation, artificial gravity, etc.

Handwavium is extensively used in movies, more so than in literature, due to the need to mass market movies to a scientifically ignorant public and because filming realistic space travel is relatively expensive.

Star Trek is fun, but it's loaded with handwavium.

Armageddon sucked for many reasons, one of which was overuse of handwavium.

Apollo 13 didn't have any handwavium tech, it was all historically accurate hardware.

handwavium by Jack Ape April 30, 2009

Handwringer

A professional apologist who feels the need to be wracked with guilt about any given perceived wrong-doing regardless of fault and often fact. These people are often attention seekers who wish to fit into a group as they are incapable of analysing facts in a logical manner.

The handwringers are whinging again because the government has turned back the boats.

Handwringer by TheHoodedClaw November 17, 2013

handwavium 

A spell cast in D&D to show the passage of time. A joke the GM can make.

The GM waves his hand across the air and says, "I cast handwavium...it's tomorrow."

handwavium by 403forbidden April 27, 2008

handaling 

The act of a creep or pervert on any form of public or private transportation who will occasionally look over a seat for a brief moment and quickly look back away. They "handal'er" will do this several times until you notice. The "handal'er" will have glasses and a dirty mexican stash.

God damn, this kid who's handaling is really pissing me off.

handaling by Hanthony Andal November 11, 2011