A "hockey stick" is a term used to describe a specific shape seen in graphs, particularly in climate science. It features a long, flat line that suddenly rises sharply, resembling the blade of a hockey stick followed by its handle. This shape often represents data showing a gradual trend followed by a rapid increase, such as global temperatures over time. The term gained prominence in discussions about climate change, especially in the IPCC reports. The "hockey stick" graph illustrates how average global temperatures have risen dramatically since the late 20th century, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate issues.