2007-09-17 12:49:34 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
''Layman's terms'' means to describe something in a non-technical or non professional way, e.g.
A Doctor would use the word ''high blood pressure'' to a patient to describe a symptom, but may use the alternative word, ''hypertension'' to another medically minded person - because to those with medical knowledge, hypertension means high blood pressure.
In all parts of the world, we use specialised words that only special or 'priviledged' people have access to. Sadly, this means the rest of the populace doesn't understand - but one could argue this is done on purpose. Replacing words with another word does imply 'special' even if infact, it is not.
So Layman's terms is a way of describing something quickly, and in a non fancy way, to get your message accross easier and so more people understand.
Technical words/phrases are only understood by those with knowledge, by using Layman's terms, more people can understand.
2007-09-17 13:06:09 · answer #1 · answered by .j 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An engineer, lawyer, or doctor would be explaining things in layman's terms.
Non technical terms, a way that every one would understand.
2007-09-17 12:59:57 · answer #2 · answered by Steve B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A layman is an ordinary person, Joe Soap. I think the phrase originates from church circles, priests etc. are clerics, and ordinary people are called lay people / laity.
2007-09-17 13:06:54 · answer #3 · answered by mini metro 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laymans a little slow.
2007-09-17 12:58:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A layman is basically unqualified. Lay as in not educated or ordained
2007-09-17 12:53:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This means something is explained easily without technical phrases.
2007-09-17 12:57:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Without technical terms or jargon.
2007-09-17 13:02:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer a question so that someone does not have to be an expert to understand it.
2007-09-17 12:54:06 · answer #8 · answered by john m 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just another way of saying, "Keep it simple, stupid!--the "k.i.s.s. method of communication (and no, I did not make that up!)!!! In other words, if you have something to say; say it as simply as possible.
2007-09-17 13:12:19 · answer #9 · answered by starcrssdlover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋