The original meaning of "steep learning curve" and the meaning still maintained in most* academic formats is that a steep learning curve implies rapid progress in learning at the introductory stage.
The phrase has deviated from it's original meaning in colloquial conversation where it has come to refer to difficulty during the elementary stages.
*It's pretty much universally accepted that the original meaning was "easy to learn" but that hasn't stopped smart and well informed academics from arguing that the newer, conversational interpretation of the phrase is acceptable even within an academic setting. So really, you're not wrong, but you could be more right.
I don't mean to go off topic but being informed never hurt anyone and I found this interesting when I first heard it.
Got a cite on this?
Not 'cause I disbelieve you, but because I'm always fascinated by evolving languages
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Timothy Collett
"The only thing you can't trade for your heart's desire...is your heart." "You are what you do. Choose again, and change." "One of these days, someone's gonna plug you, and you're going to die saying, 'What did I say? What did I say?'" ~ Miles Naismith Vorkosigan
