To a casual observer, the term “spatial disorientation” might be something they have to stop for a moment to consider. “Disorientation” isn’t a concept a typical person should have a problem with. “Spatial,” however, is not a word the average person on the street encounters everyday—they might even confuse it with “special,” which it is in a way.
It might take that typical person a few seconds to grasp the concept of not being able to orient one’s self in the space around them. Merriam-Webster defines spatial as “relating to, occupying, or having the character of space.” Combine the two words and we see they describe a situation in which one would merely be uncomfortable if sitting at home on a couch but downright terrifying if they were the pilot in command of an aircraft. Sitting at home on the couch would be preferable.
