We who do not wish to mislead people that we are applying the scientific method to subjects when we are not. The success of science has given it a special place in our society - a sort of Underwriter's Laboratory seal of approval.
It does not warrant for particular uses, but it ensures the 'product' has been tested within certain situations. It's because science (actual science) as been so successful that the term is now so willfully hijacked by non-scientists to describe whatever it is that they want to believe or assert.
This is why TV ads like to imply that 'scientists' have tested their products and why goobers like Edgar Cayce and other mediums laced their readings with words they had borrowed from science.
Of course, if one doesn't care if one is being misleading, he might use words to mean anything he wishes.
