[reedx8]

I so happen to disagree, but well reasoned point. However, please abstain from using theory in that context. What you mean is a conjecture, or hypothesis. Anything substantiated by evidence is in fact a theory. Those that are not are hypotheses. In fact, theories work in practice. That’s why they are theories - quantum theory, germ theory, general and special relativity theory. Etc..

[therealdrag0]

Words have multiple meanings. This use of "theory" exists in all dictionaries and is well used and accepted.

Instead of trying to control language, we should encourage appropriate interpretation of context and meaning.