[yboris]

steep learning curve usually means the opposite of what the author wants to say:

"The common expression "a steep learning curve" is a misnomer suggesting that an activity is difficult to learn and that expending much effort does not increase proficiency by much, although a learning curve with a steep start actually represents rapid progress."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_curve

When writing, consider "challenging learning curve" instead (I'd love other suggestions too).

[blep_]

If essentially everyone uses it to mean one thing, that's what it means now. That's how definitions work.

[IAmYourDensity]

Does that apply to “Hacker” in Hacker News?

[ketralnis]

Sure. Language is contextual. If you find yourself explaining why hacker isn't really hacker to the people that you talk to _about_ hacker news, then yes it is actually impeding communication

[martinflack]

I always imagined a mountain climb. So steep learning curve would mean daunting, high effort, high "drag" (gravity), but if you undertake it and push hard, you do, in fact, gain tons of utility (rather than proficiency per se) in a short amount of time.

[creata]

Easy fix, put time on the y-axis.

[thomastjeffery]

You can consider a function with a steep slope from either perspective. The defining factor is the context that function exists in.