I've used 'woo woo' in this thread in the way (I presume) InWales meant it - which is anything unusual which doesn't currently have a scientific explanation.

I'd guess in a Borromean way it shades into self-aggrandising kookiness at one extreme, well intentioned and open minded curiosity in another, and dismissive self-aggrandising but ignorant skepticism in the third.

If anything it's probably more useful to look at socially acceptable woo-woo as a social process, because there's not much else to add about the scientific angle at this point.

I put Chicago-style economic theory in that category deliberately, because I really can't see a difference in the quality of reasoning needed to decide that 'tachyon meditation' is something special, as opposed to the reasoning behind trickle down or tax cuts for very rich people.

Except possibly that one is more consciously cynical and exploitative than the other - although which is which may not be obvious.

It bothers me that the professional scientific skeptics are keen to tackle the paranormal with crusading zeal, but seem willing to leave more mundane, but far, far more dangerous, Chicago-style pseudo-science alone.

As for audio woo-woo - endless fun there, and a diary in prep about that. :)