In Sweden, when running wiring we'll refer to the dimensions by monikers like "one and half squared", "six squared" and so on, corresponding to "1.5mm^2" etc. It has never felt very bulky to me, and doesn't seem like more effort than saying 14-gauge (or at least close enough).

If you're going to knock the other way, wouldn't t be far to at least check what that it is rather than making something up as a strawman?