3 ms·

I hate the misuse of the term "steep learning curve". If something has a steep learning curve it actually means you are learning it fast.

jacquesm 12y ago
If you're a driver then you know that steep curves are taken slowly. (Unless you're going downhill, and in that case it's probably a sign that your brakes have failed...)
- kristoffer 12y ago
  A learning curve is something specific. It is the level of knowledge over time. It has nothing to do with driving..
  - jacquesm 12y ago
    Ok, so let me make it graphical for you: If the 'Y' axis of the graph is expenditure of energy or time and the 'X' axis is progress in understanding then a steep curve indicates a lot of expenditure for relatively little progress. That's the 'informal use', as in, everyday communications such as, but not limited to comments in online communities.
    - kristoffer 12y ago
      That is not a learning curve though... The "informal" usage stems from people not knowing what they are talking about. No need to perpetuate it if you know better.
  - grndn 12y ago
    Too late, I'm afraid. That horse has literally* bolted. The world has decided on what "steep" means now. * http://www.salon.com/2013/08/22/according_to_the_dictionary_literally_now_also_means_figuratively_newscred/ http://www.salon.com/2013/08/22/according_to_the_dictionary_...
- kurige 12y ago
  From the Wikipedia page[1]: The term is often used in common English with the meaning of a difficult initial learning process. Nevertheless, the Oxford English Dictionary, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary define a learning curve as the rate at which skill is acquired, so a steep increase would mean a quick increment of skill. Arguably, the common English use is due to metaphorical interpretation of the curve as a hill to climb. [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_curve#.22Steep_learning_curve.22 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_curve#.22Steep_learnin...
axiomabsolute 12y ago
Doesn't this presume the x axis is time. What if the x axis is progress towards completion and the y axis is effort?

jacquesm 12y ago

If you're a driver then you know that steep curves are taken slowly. (Unless you're going downhill, and in that case it's probably a sign that your brakes have failed...)

kristoffer 12y ago
A learning curve is something specific. It is the level of knowledge over time. It has nothing to do with driving..
- jacquesm 12y ago
  Ok, so let me make it graphical for you: If the 'Y' axis of the graph is expenditure of energy or time and the 'X' axis is progress in understanding then a steep curve indicates a lot of expenditure for relatively little progress. That's the 'informal use', as in, everyday communications such as, but not limited to comments in online communities.
  - kristoffer 12y ago
    That is not a learning curve though... The "informal" usage stems from people not knowing what they are talking about. No need to perpetuate it if you know better.
- grndn 12y ago
  Too late, I'm afraid. That horse has literally* bolted. The world has decided on what "steep" means now. * http://www.salon.com/2013/08/22/according_to_the_dictionary_literally_now_also_means_figuratively_newscred/ http://www.salon.com/2013/08/22/according_to_the_dictionary_...
kurige 12y ago
From the Wikipedia page[1]: The term is often used in common English with the meaning of a difficult initial learning process. Nevertheless, the Oxford English Dictionary, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary define a learning curve as the rate at which skill is acquired, so a steep increase would mean a quick increment of skill. Arguably, the common English use is due to metaphorical interpretation of the curve as a hill to climb. [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_curve#.22Steep_learning_curve.22 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_curve#.22Steep_learnin...

axiomabsolute 12y ago

Doesn't this presume the x axis is time. What if the x axis is progress towards completion and the y axis is effort?