mythoid

a succinctly-stated, plausible-sounding storyette that requires no evidence, but can be propounded confidently by a scientist and is sure to be readily accepted because a scientist said so (see Thumb’s Second Postulate*). A mythoid is usually accompanied by a little bluffing jargon to make it sound highfalutin. Sources: 5/29/03, 5/14/07.  Ant., factoid.  *Thumb’s Second Postulate: “An easily understood, workable falsehood is more useful than a complex, incomprehensible truth.”

The Charlie and Tinker Bell Theater uses state-of-the-art fogma machines with Charlie’s secret recipe. It produces the perfect colloid of mythoids. The stage hands aim the fogma so that it reveals only the things they want the audience to see – the props that fit the script at the right time – and conceals everything else. Surprises are inserted occasionally to keep the audience awake. After all, every good work of fiction needs a crisis. But not to worry; the entire production crew knows how to bring the plot to a proper denouement.  This works well indoors under controlled conditions. Take the fogma out into the real world, though, and the sunlight of evidence quickly dissipates it. The design of the world then stands out in clear relief.