Theory or Fact?

A theory is not a fact. They differ by definition. Theory of evolution is not a fact. The law of gravity is
[quote] A scientific theory differs from a scientific fact or scientific law in that a theory explains "why" or "how": a fact is a simple, basic observation, whereas a law is a statement (often a mathematical equation) about a relationship between facts and/or other laws. [/quote]

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LeopoldBloom · M

A theory is a model that explains observations. If new observations contradict the existing theory, it can be modified or replaced. For example, Einstein’s theory of relativity refined Newton’s theory of gravity.

However, the colloquial definition of a theory as speculative doesn’t apply to scientific theories. So when a YEC dismisses evolution as “just a theory,” they’re only showing that they don’t know what the word means.