thin slice meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

thin slice

nounalso spelled thin-slice

Human sciences, Psychology, Sciences A minimal amount of information or experience used to make quick inferences about something through thin-slicing.

Bernieri is an expert in what's known as "thin-slicing methodology". His research is based on the theory that we make a reasonably accurate assessment of a person from observing just a few seconds, or a "thin slice", of their behaviour.2009 March 7, Rosie Ifould, “Acting on impulse”, in The Guardian:

thin-slice

verb

Etymology Back-formation from thin-slicing.

Human sciences, Psychology, Sciences Ambitransitive To make quick inferences about something through thin-slicing.

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:
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: