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

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

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