I think the fact that polynomials contain an exponent forgives that particular degradation of precision in the vernacular. I corrected the OP by adding context so onlookers could know just how fast the power requirements grow without poo-pooing their choice of words. In a programming context, extacting language precision is beneficial. Shooting the shit in an Internet forum I think we can tolerate imprecision in others without causing a dust up. Now tell me how do you feel when someone says “it’s pretty unique”