2007-05-18 15:33:38 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
rule of thumb is a principle with broad application that is not intended to be strictly accurate or reliable for every situation. It is an easily learned and easily applied procedure for approximately calculating or recalling some value, or for making some determination. Compare this to heuristic, a similar concept used in mathematical discourse, or in computer science, particularly in algorithm design.
The term "rule of thumb" (or a similar phrase) stands in many languages and cultures for "quickly understood, easily used, practical method yielding approximate results".
[edit] Use as a physical measurement
The measurement of an inch is derived from the distance between the base of the thumbnail and the first joint. This is a plausible origin as the thumb is often used for rough measurement by carpenters, seamstresses, artists and many others. This connection to anatomy is also illustrated in the French phrase, un pouce, meaning both "a thumb" and "an inch."
2007-05-18 15:36:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Haha, well according to the big mean lady in the movie "Boondock Saints" the saying rule of thumb is derived from the law that men could use a stick no larger than the width of their thumb to beat their wives and it wasnt considered abuse.
For more in depth explanation for the term see the following link :)
2007-05-18 22:41:13 · answer #2 · answered by Girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the Rule of Thumb dealt with domestic bliss in middle England. A man could beat his wife but not abuse her. How do you measure the difference between justifiable discipline and abuse?
You cannot hit your wife with a stick "thicker than your thumb."
2007-05-18 22:42:12 · answer #3 · answered by morgan j 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Back in the day a man could beat his wife or family member as long as it was a stick no thicker than his thumb. That's what I heard in a movie once. Boondock Saints I love that movie.
2007-05-18 22:39:58 · answer #4 · answered by TATSEL 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The saying rule of thumb means that it is a general guide of how to do things when in aqward conflictual dilemmas
2007-05-18 22:36:41 · answer #5 · answered by Karen D 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When measuring, if you use the first joint of your thumb, it is roughly an inch. so anything that is "Rule of Thumb" is a rough estimate.
2007-05-18 22:36:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It was a measure guideline describing how big the switch or stick you could be your child or slave with
2007-05-18 22:37:10 · answer #7 · answered by TAT 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Haahahahahaha...know the first thing I thought of when I saw this question... "Boondock Saints".
2007-05-18 22:36:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check it out
2007-05-18 22:37:33 · answer #9 · answered by Boof 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋