|
|
Subject:
Cultural reference for complex concept.
Category: Relationships and Society > Cultures Asked by: judson-ga List Price: $25.00 |
Posted:
11 Nov 2006 23:25 PST
Expires: 11 Dec 2006 23:25 PST Question ID: 782016 |
What is a word, in any language, for the concept of solving a problem within or created by a set of unnecessary, even disadvantageous, constraints. An example would be padding the top frame of doors that you make 5 feet high rather than make the frame larger. I am looking for any conceptualization of this idea by any culture or language. Stories about it would be great, or just the word. | |
| |
| |
|
|
There is no answer at this time. |
|
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: frde-ga on 12 Nov 2006 06:23 PST |
In the UK we call it 'bodging' |
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: myoarin-ga on 12 Nov 2006 09:21 PST |
Perhaps a bastardized or misbegotten solution? |
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: sublime1-ga on 12 Nov 2006 11:21 PST |
'Folly' comes to mind. |
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: pinkfreud-ga on 12 Nov 2006 11:46 PST |
A complex solution to a simple problem might be referred to as a "Rube Goldberg" solution. http://www.answers.com/topic/rube-goldberg http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=Rube+Goldberg |
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: pafalafa-ga on 12 Nov 2006 16:40 PST |
I'm thinking more MacGyver than Rube Goldberg...being able to solve a difficult technical problem under severe constraints, without the tools, or parts,or even (gasp!) the manual. And the word that comes to mind is 'makeshift', or a bit more obscurely, 'jury' (as in jury-rig, rather than 12 Angry Men). How's that grab ya? paf |
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: myoarin-ga on 13 Nov 2006 02:28 PST |
Second suggestion: ill-conceived |
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: nectar666-ga on 13 Nov 2006 03:58 PST |
How about the phrase "A camel is a horse designed by committee" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_by_committee nectar |
Subject:
Re: Cultural reference for complex concept.
From: nectar666-ga on 18 Nov 2006 13:19 PST |
As a follow-on, some of the phrases under anti-pattern, although mostly computer related, seem appropriate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Anti-patterns Glad to see Microsoft in there under DLL hell. or: sophistic, illogical, fallacious. nectar |
If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you. |
Search Google Answers for |
Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy |