MENTAL MODEL · M1332

Taboo Your Words

TechnicalHigh supportArtificial Intelligence

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When discussing a concept, the use of the concept's own vocabulary is forbidden; it must be described with concrete facts and mechanisms. (For example: arguing over 'Is this AI?' is meaningless; instead, argue over 'Can it write code? Can it pass the Turing test?').

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Eliminates empty talk. When meetings get stuck in definitional disputes over 'What is strategy?' or 'What is a middle platform?', activate 'Taboo Your Words' mode. Forbid big words, only speak of specific inputs and outputs, and disagreements often vanish instantly.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

By forbidding the direct use of abstract concept words, discussions are forced back to observable facts, inputs, and outputs, thereby dissolving 'empty talk' caused by semantic differences. When disagreements stem from labels rather than substance, removing labels exposes consensus.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/1

Practice this model in one real situation:

First, when stuck in a definitional dispute, announce 'Taboo Your Words' and list the abstract words that are forbidden. Second, require everyone to replace the word with concrete facts, mechanisms, and cases. Third, reframe the disagreement as a verifiable question. Fourth, if necessary, provide an operational definition of the concept.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

account_treeGenealogyexpand_more

menu_bookReferencesexpand_more

Source support: Explicit

link
zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%A6%81%E5%BF%8CZH · Explicit
verified