postdict
To report what already happened in the form of a prediction.
I postdict that Obama won the 2008 presidential election.
postdiction
Brian Miller writes: Postdiction is an explanation after the event: the lamest and laziest form of prophecy.
In skepticism, it is considered an effect of hindsight-bias that (only afterwards) explains claimed predictions of significant events.
Happens often at race-tracks and masked wine tastings.
Larry Lockshin adds: "I knew it." Used extensively in business case studies, which often purport to cause and effect: they did this, and that happened.
It is not a predictor of outcomes for those following the claims.
In skepticism, it is considered an effect of hindsight-bias that (only afterwards) explains claimed predictions of significant events.
Happens often at race-tracks and masked wine tastings.
Larry Lockshin adds: "I knew it." Used extensively in business case studies, which often purport to cause and effect: they did this, and that happened.
It is not a predictor of outcomes for those following the claims.
A typical postdiction might be:
It was after I switched from Corn Flakes to Rice Krispies that women started to notice me. You should try Rice Krispies. They could work for you too...
It was after I switched from Corn Flakes to Rice Krispies that women started to notice me. You should try Rice Krispies. They could work for you too...
postdictable
Obvious in hindsight; predictable after the fact.
It seemed like a good idea at the time but its failure was entirely postdictable.
Postdicted
To only find something out so far behind it took place that it is almost impossible to not have been aware of it before.
Friend: Oh my God I just started listening to Michael Jackson and it turns out he's dead! I swear this always happens.
Friend 2: Bro, you postdicted that.
Friend 2: Bro, you postdicted that.