Dictionary

thin-slice en · VERB

Etymology

Back-formation from thin-slicing.

Meanings

1. (ambitransitive) To make quick inferences about something through thin-slicing.
   • Of course, first impressions are critical in any context, but especially when there's a potential relationship on the line[…]. That's because humans have a natural desire to "thin slice"—as in, digest small amounts of information (like, what's in your bio) to determine bigger decisions (read: whether this person is worth a date...or more). 2023 March 6, Alexis Jones, Megan Schaltegger, “These Tinder Conversation Starters Actually Work, According To Dating Experts”, in Women's Health:
   • If you've ever changed seats on a train or crossed the road to avoid someone, because there was something "not quite right about them", you've used your ability to thin-slice. […] but we thin-slice people in all kinds of situations, not just when we feel threatened. 2009 March 7, Rosie Ifould, “Acting on impulse”, in The Guardian:

Forms