Meanings
- abbreviationhuman sciencesAbbreviation of for all practical purposes.
Newtonian physics works fine, FAPP, at the macroscopic level, say Rosenblum & Kuttner[…]
2019, David Yeats, A Universe Full of Magical Things, page 452 more examples
Is it not good to know what follows from what, even if it is not necessary FAPP? Suppose for example that quantum mechanics were found to resist precise formulation. Suppose that when formulation beyond FAPP is attempted, we find an unmovable finger obstinately pointing outside the subject, to the mind of the observer, to the Hindu scriptures, to God, or even only Gravitation? Would that not be very, very interesting?"
1988, John Stewart Bell, Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Mechanics, Cambridge University PressGoing beyond FAPP to interpret quantum theory is today a growth industry, and a contentious field, though a very small fraction of physicists are involved.
2011, Bruce Rosenblum, Fred Kuttner, Quantum Enigma, page 206
Synonyms & antonyms
Origin
Popularized by physicist John Stewart Bell.
Full word history & related roots →Rhymes & wordplay
Rhymes with FAPP
Sounds the same
Cite this entry
FAPP. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/FAPP
“FAPP.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/FAPP. Accessed November 2, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “FAPP,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/FAPP.
Source: FAPP on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.