Yes, "sidebar" is Apple's official term. Look under the Finder's "File" menu, where you'll see the command "Add to Sidebar". Since the word "sidebar" makes you think "left" or "right", and the sidebar is on the left, how does that differ from what you were thinking about the term? Possibly you wanted the option to be able to place the sidebar on the right. That would be nice, I suppose, simply because it would be another option--maybe lefties would prefer it. Apple's Mail app puts its sidebar on the right, so why not¿

Does anyone know of a way to get rid of the sidebar completely (other than doing it manually every time one appears)? For me, the way the sidebar works is counterintuitive, and I would be much happier without it.