I did some napkin math on the 16 degree out to 6 mile thing people were claiming and the energy required was like 50% of the total US daily energy use.
In case you're wondering, I only did see the one import record for "wireless PC controllers" that has already been reported, though. Back-of-the-napkin math suggests that shipment probably had fewer than 25,000 Steam…
Yes, it would be something like a 5.5 megaton nuke, every X number of days (the heat decay math is a bit much to napkin math) forever to keep it raised by 16 degrees.
(North America) The act of performing quick mathematics often as a means of estimation, as if done on the back of a napkin (or in one's head).
Napkin math means: The act of performing quick mathematics often as a means of estimation, as if done on the back of a napkin (or in one's head).. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
napkin math means: The act of performing quick mathematics often as a means of estimation, as if done on the back of a napkin (or in one's head).. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
“I did some napkin math on the 16 degree out to 6 mile thing people were claiming and the energy required was like 50% of the total US daily energy use.”
“In case you're wondering, I only did see the one import record for "wireless PC controllers" that has already been reported, though. Back-of-the-napkin math suggests that shipment probably had fewer than 25,000 Steam Controllers, but maybe there were other shipments too?”
“Yes, it would be something like a 5.5 megaton nuke, every X number of days (the heat decay math is a bit much to napkin math) forever to keep it raised by 16 degrees.”
No comments yet — say something.
Napkin math means: The act of performing quick mathematics often as a means of estimation, as if done on the back of a napkin (or in one's head).. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
Add your own interpretation of "napkin math".
Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.
Browse all slang words starting with N.