[tangentspace]

But you propose to simply relabel as function, which doesn't work in general because random variable corresponds to a specific type of function. You could compromise by calling it a probability function, but then you start to collide with other uses of that word.

I agree random variable is awkward, though. I always avoided stats courses because it's full of so much jargon that collides with nomenclature used by mathematicians.

[sorokod]

Yes, it's not just a function - there are strings attached but we deserve a better name - probability function is x100 better. "random variable" is exceptionally bad in that it leads the mind in irrelevant directions.

[tangentspace]

To follow one of the more common patterns for identifying a class of functions, it could have been named after one of the early pioneers in the field. But yeah, it would be hard to do worse than random variable, which is illogical and misleading.

I found this doc on the origins of the name (author also agrees it's terrible): http://www.glennshafer.com/assets/downloads/talks164_The-inv...

Sounds like it got mangled as work was being translated back and forth between Russian, English, French, and German.

[sorokod]

Another approach is to use language not commonly spoken ( quickly - what does topology means) and consequently less burdened with cultural baggage.