General
fighting darwin
What does fighting darwin mean?
Ironic phrase for medicine repeatedly rescuing a patient whose reckless behaviour or refusal of care keeps endangering them, thwarting 'natural selection.'
"Fourth admission for the same thing — we're just fighting Darwin now."
Origin
US medical dark humour referencing Darwinian selection.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'fighting Darwin' mean?
It describes medicine repeatedly rescuing a patient whose own reckless choices keep endangering them, working against 'natural selection.'
Where does the phrase come from?
US medical dark humour, referencing Darwinian selection — the idea that treatment thwarts what nature would otherwise do.
Is it cruel?
It's cynical gallows humour about frustrating repeat cases, not a phrase used in front of patients.
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