The term "thin slices" refers to small, representative samples or portions of a larger whole. It is often used in research and data analysis where it may not be feasible or practical to examine an entire dataset all at once. Instead, thin slices are taken from the larger sample to provide insights into the characteristics and behavior of the population as a whole. This approach allows for more efficient use of resources and can still yield valuable information about the broader trends and patterns within the data set.