MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Another one of those terms that started squarely in the product/engineering space and has delightful uses beyond its intended world.

A minimum viable product is the most basic version of a new product that allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least effort. It contains only essential, core features to satisfy early adopters and validate a product idea, reducing development risk and waste.

As you might imagine, it could also be used to describe literally anything that stands to develop or grow as time goes on. Things like a new boyfriend, the first recording of a song idea or even a complicated soufflé that still tastes off but doesn't collapse immediately — all can be MVPs in their own right.