abstract nonsense

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

Coined by Norman Steenrod, popularized by Serge Lang.

[edit] Noun

abstract nonsense (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic) (mathematics) Details which are straightforward but so tedious that an author or lecturer would rather skip them (especially those of a category theoretical nature).
2. (idiomatic) (mathematics) Details which involve diagram chasing.