the·o·ry /ˈθiəri, ˈθɪəri/ [thee-uh-ree, theer-ee]I am getting really quite bored of explaining to fundamentalist creationist (sorry, "intelligent design") nutjobs about the difference between definition 1 above and definitions 2, 6 and 7.
–noun, plural -ries.
1. a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.
2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.
3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject: number theory.
4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory.
5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles.
6. contemplation or speculation.
7. guess or conjecture.
To clarify, the theory of evolution falls under definition 1. It has been peer reviewed, observed and documented. It is the basis for much of our medical knowledge - if you don't believe in evolution I suggest you don't bother with vaccinations! - and is as close to a law as you can get. To argue that it is anything else is playing fast and loose with the English language (something I don't like at the best of times).
Creationism or ID, on the other hand, falls firmly under definition 6 or 7, and even then I think it is overly generous to call it a theory. I would suggest the term hypothesis used in the sense "a mere assumption or a guess". There is zero evidence to back this up and it is so far outside the realm of science that it belongs firmly in the fantasy section of your local bookshop.
If you want to be taken remotely seriously with these hypotheses I suggest you find a more stable argument than mere semantics.
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