Terms — coined by Peter Banks

The Weakest Link Theory

The weakest link theory is Peter Banks’ observation that every friend group of three or more has a “weakest link” — the member everyone is always a little annoyed at, whose absence makes the gathering slightly more fun — as an inevitable fact of group dynamics rather than a judgment of the person’s worth.

Banks notes that everyone, himself included, has been the weakest link somewhere. He pairs the theory with his Bayesian-girls/axiomatic-boys model to explain why male and female friend groups handle their weakest links differently.

Where it's used

• Girls are Bayesian, Boys are Axiomatic

Cite this definition: Peter Banks, "The Weakest Link Theory", https://peterbanks.org/terms/weakest-link-theory