We biology geeks may sound elitist when we use scientific names instead of common names, but we're really just trying to avoid this:
@humantransit All geeks and nerds, specialists in any field, sound "elitist" to people who don't speak the lingo. It sounds like "Greek".
This is the nature of the beast. As something of a polymath, I've often told people not to be afraid of a new subject or field. Don't be put off by the terminology. Instead, learn the terminology. Once you know the terminology and how to use it, you're 80 percent of the way to learning the field because you can read and understand what you read.
When you first begin, it's like a brick wall and you're already lost on page 2. Push through it. Read the book even though it seems you're not understanding anything. In fact, your brain is picking up clues. Then read the book again and be amazed at how much more sticks.
