Not Just A Theory

I often read statements to the effect that "evolution is just a theory…", usually written by an American, but also (depressingly) increasingly by Europeans. It’s a statement that is a sure sign of ignorance. The writer, either genuinely, or disingenuously, does not realise that the word "theory" has a special significance in the scientific method. 

Here’s a short, pithy primer on the scientific meaning of the word.

(hat tip to The Bad Astronomer for the link)