My Least Favorite Phrases

MLPP, First Entry:

"Four years ago, a particle accelerator in France detected six particles that should not exist. They are called tetraneutrons: four neutrons that are bound together in a way that defies the laws of physics." [from Michael Brooks, "13 Things that Do Not Make Sense," newscientist.com]

Okay. We've - and I mean the collective "we've" of the thinking race - been around for quite a many years now. Why do we still use and accept the phrase "defies the laws of physics" being used? It is an insult, doubly so in scientific publications. Isn't the whole point that anything that by definition 'defies physics' actually does just the opposite, and nullifies the definition?

In fact - isn't it impossible for anything that does anything to 'defy physics'? Isn't anything doing anything quite obviously coloring well within the lines of the laws of physics just by its nature of being anything doing anything?

Saying anything 'defies the laws of physics' is yet another example of scaredy-cat humans using the powerfully obfuscating ability of language to further an ego-agenda: If is doesn't obey OUR laws...then it is breaking the law.

The article goes on to explain that the four tetraneutrons were detained, and later arrested for breaking the law; they were fined in circuit court and released on their own tetracognizance. When interviewed outside the courthouse, the tetraneutrons boldly told FOX news, "And we will do it again."

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