[alpaca128]

> my reading of a lot is always more than 50%

That's what the word "most" is for. A lot only means something like "large amount", with no hint at how large. It could be more than half, it could also be 1% because that's still a lot of people.

[bryanrasmussen]

yeah if there's a context to a lot, as per the previous example of homicides, you can understand what a lot of homicides will be in relation to homicide rates in other places.

So if you don't really have an easy to understand context I don't know if 1% would be considered a lot.

Let's imagine the HN conversation:

a lot of people love the fruitcake they receive for Christmas!

I checked Santa's bureau of statistics - only 1% love fruitcake - is that what you call a lot?!?

So I guess I agree a lot doesn't have to be more than half, but when I don't have an easy to identify context I read a lot as being most. Surely my mistake, but one I feel is hard to guard against.