It sounded ridiculous when someone suggested that the Earth went around the sun, go figure.
As the first poster said, if you win the definitions, you win thr debate.
This thin attempt to redefine "theory" is a forensic analogy to having software viruses attack the anti-virus programs.
Ridiculous because of what had been taught, not because of what was known. Framing an argument helps in clarifying what is said. Failing to creates a fog useful to charlatans.
We know that seed produces only after it's kind and will produce nothing else. If you plant corn you will grow corn.
In light of that, it sounds ridiculous to say that corn will give rise to tomatoes. It isn't ridiculous because of what we're taught. It is ridiculous because everyone knows better.
Framing and clarity.. makes all the difference.