rocket surgeon

English

Etymology

Blend of rocket scientist +‎ brain surgeon, as both are commonly used in such phrases as "you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand it".

Noun

rocket surgeon (plural rocket surgeons)

1. (humorous) Synonym of rocket scientist (“someone qualified to understand or handle that which is overly complex, detailed or confusing”)
   • 2012, Chris Vander Mey, “How to measure greatness”, in Shipping Greatness, O'Reilly Media, →ISBN, page 89:

     At this point you may be thinking, “I know all about goals. I know to make them S.M.A.R.T.” What's S.M.A.R.T? Some rocket surgeon a while back came up with the notion that goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and time-based.

Related terms

• rocket surgery