Is this a pattern?
Tiffany Winn, Paul Calder · IEEE Software · 2002
In the current climate, pattern is an often-misused buzzword. However, there is no clear definition of pattern-ness, perhaps because patterns do not lend themselves to prescriptive, formal definitions. The authors propose a set of characteristics that can be used as a test for pattern-ness. Each characteristic in their test describes an essential aspect of a design pattern. Recognizing these characteristics will help software designers understand, use, and write better patterns.