the literature

( n.)

   Computer-science journals and other publications, vaguely gestured at
   to  answer  a  question that the speaker believes is {trivial}. Thus,
   one  might  answer  an  annoying  question  by  saying  "It's  in the
   literature." Oppose {Knuth}, which has no connotation of triviality.

[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {Knuth}]