laymen

Laymen is a term used to describe people who are not part of a specific professional or specialized group, typically referring to nonexperts or nonprofessionals in a given field. The word has historical roots in the concept of laity—the nonclerical members of a religious community. In English, layman originally distinguished the nonclerical from clergy in religious contexts, but its use broadened over time to denote anyone outside a particular profession or domain of expertise.

Usage and meanings can vary by context. In journalism, education, medicine, and science, layman or laypeople refer to members of the general public or to nonexperts. The expression “in layman’s terms” means explaining something plainly and accessibly, without technical jargon. In professional settings, the term may be contrasted with professionals or experts, such as lay reviewers, lay judges, or lay witnesses. Some organizations now favor the gender-neutral term layperson, or alternatives like nonexpert or nonprofessional, to avoid gender implications or outdated language.

Criticism and alternatives. The term layman can carry gendered or paternalistic overtones and may be viewed as outdated in modern writing. Writers and institutions often prefer layperson or nonexpert to emphasize inclusivity and neutrality. Context matters: while historically common in religious or formal discourse, contemporary usage tends toward neutral language when describing nonprofessionals or nonexperts.

See also: Laity, Layperson, Lay audience, Nonexpert.