Subcultures have languages all their own. Teen gangs, statisticians, gamers, music buffs, sports nuts, furries—all use terminology that baffles outsiders. The arcane language helps identify kindred spirits: Using the correct phrase proves you belong. The proper buzzwords can gain you admittance to the right professional circles—or the wrong biker bars. Maybe both.

Not knowing them can get you into serious trouble. When you enter a dangerous place (like the data analysis arena), you need at least a basic grasp of the jargon the local toughs use.

I’m not comparing any particular group of statisticians to a street gang, but the discipline definitely has its own language, one that can seem impenetrable and obtuse. It’s all too easy for a seasoned vet of the stats battlefield to confound newcomers who aren’t hip to the lingo of data analysis.

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