Handwaved

Handwaved is a term used primarily in fiction, particularly in science fiction and fantasy, to describe a plot device or explanation that is deliberately glossed over or accepted without detailed justification. It signifies an aspect of the story that the author believes the audience will accept without question, often because a thorough explanation would be too complex, tedious, or would detract from the narrative's momentum.

The concept of handwaving often arises when creators need to introduce fantastical elements or advanced technologies that are not yet scientifically feasible or understood. Instead of spending time detailing how a spaceship can travel faster than light or how a character can magically heal from mortal wounds, the author simply presents it as a fact within the story's universe. The audience, immersed in the fictional world, generally accepts these elements as part of its established rules.

While handwaving can be an effective tool for storytelling, enabling a focus on character, plot, and theme, it can also be a point of criticism if overused or if it strains credulity. When a narrative relies too heavily on handwaving for crucial plot points, it can leave the audience feeling unsatisfied or that the story lacks internal logic. The effectiveness of handwaving often depends on the genre, the audience's expectations, and the overall coherence of the fictional world being presented.