Lowest common denominator
In
mathematics, the
lowest common denominator or
least common denominator (abbreviated
LCD) is the
least common multiple of the denominators of a set of
fractions. For instance, the LCD of {1/2, 1/4} is 4, and the LCD of {1/2, 1/3} is 6.
In non-mathematical use, the term is commonly used to refer to the target audience of
mass media. It tends to be overused in this regard, or at least considered synonymous with "dumbest people".
Action movies and most
television programming are often considered to be targeted for the lowest common denominator of the population.