Cephalectomy

A cephalectomy is a theoretical medical procedure that involves the excision (removal) of the head (i.e. decapitation). The term has occasionally been used to describe animal decapitation, but is generally in use primarily as an elitist word to trick people (e.g. "My friend wasn't feeling well and he went in for a cephalectomy"). The name is also used by a heavy metal rock band, who make constant references to decapitation and other gruesome material.

Cephalectomy as a trick is similar to use of the term "Dihydrogen Monoxide" to describe water (Di = 2, Mono = 1, H20 = water), which was used as a worldwide hoax to trick people into thinking that Dihydrogen Monoxide poisoning was hurting us (etc), as a way to try to get people to understand science (and chemistry) more. Currently, the cephalectomy hoax is not widespread.