| spoons ( n.) | |
|---|---|
| Other forms | spoonie (n.) |
| Coiner | Christine Miserandino |
Spoons are used in reference to spoon theory[1], in which a person only has a small, limited amount of energy to use for daily activities. Both the available energy and the energy required to perform a task are measured in "spoons" (or spoonfuls). The metaphor aims to both communicate the limited amount of energy a person has at their disposal, and to make it easier to prioritize and distribute resources over required tasks.
"Spoonie" refers to a person who uses the concept of spoons to describe their energy capacity. This may refer to physical, mental, or emotional energy, and is primarily used by people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other impairments that limit the energy a person has at their disposal.
In the context of plurality, certain system functions (such as switching, co-fronting, internal communication, or even fronting for certain headmates) may depend on available spoons or even have their own type of spoons associated with them.
A system, sisasystem, internal group, or headmate may share or have individual spoons in any configuration.
Related Terms[edit | edit source]
A spoon generator is a headmate who generates spoons, and a spoon stealer is a headmate who drains them.
Switch spoons, cognitive load, and CPU Time all refer to function-specific spoons or similar concepts.
