LessWrong jargon critique calls out 'lizardman constant' as misleading and wrong
A rationalist writer argues the community's favorite statistical rule is fundamentally flawed and unclear.
DanielW's LessWrong article 'Lizards and Less Wrong Jargon' takes aim at the rationalist community's reliance on obscure or misleading terminology. The central example is the 'lizardman constant' — a term popularized by Scott Alexander to describe a roughly 4% baseline rate of fake respondents in online polls. DanielW argues that calling it a 'constant' is both inaccurate and harmful: research shows bogus respondent rates vary widely (4-7%) and can be mitigated through proper survey design. Using the term leads to lazy reasoning, like dismissing valid findings by saying 'it's within the lizardman constant.' He contrasts this with clearer academic language like 'vulnerable to fake or bogus respondents,' which anyone can understand.
The post extends beyond the lizardman constant to critique a broader culture of jargon and cliche in rationalist writing, invoking George Orwell's advice to prefer everyday English over scientific or foreign terms. DanielW acknowledges his own potential hypocrisy and invites constructive feedback. The piece serves as a call for clearer, more accessible communication within the rationality community, arguing that reliance on in-group lingo not only alienates outsiders but also fosters sloppy thinking. While not a mortal sin, these conventions reduce the rigor and impact of rationalist literature.
- The 'lizardman constant' is actually not a constant; bogus respondent rates range from 4-7% and depend on survey design, sampling methods, and respondent verification.
- DanielW argues that using plain English ('fake or bogus respondents') is more accurate and accessible than rationalist jargon like 'lizardman constant.'
- The post cites George Orwell's 'Politics and the English Language' to criticize unnecessary jargon and urges rationalists to write more clearly.
Why It Matters
This critique challenges a core rationalist shortcut, encouraging clearer thinking and communication in a community that values precision.