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'I'm sorry can you repeat that? '

DEFINITION: n. A technological innovation that doesn't work as expected because "normal people" can't figure out how to use it. v. To improve something in a way that makes it much harder to use.

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Verboticisms

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Misfacilitation

Created by: ozzymars

Pronunciation:

Sentence:

Etymology:

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Enigmadget

Created by: ErWenn

Pronunciation: /ˌɛnɪɡˈmӕdʒit/

Sentence: I was fairly certain that the enigmadget was supposed to be the new television's remote control, but I couldn't find a single button on it.

Etymology: From enigma + gadget

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Dummiproving

Mrgoodtimes

Created by: Mrgoodtimes

Pronunciation: Dah - mi - pru - veng

Sentence: The scientists lauded themselves for the bulletproofing of the hands-free self-sharpening throwing stars kit, unfortunately recent fatalities have shown it to be dummiproved.

Etymology: Dummy-Proved

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Whatchamadowithit

Created by: ekath

Pronunciation: whachama-do-with-it

Sentence: Its kind of sad when my mom tries to figure out how to operate her whatchamadowithits. Usually I sigh and show her, for example, how to turn her cell phone on.

Etymology: from whatchamacallit and not-knowing-what-to-do-with-it

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COMMENTS:

Man, I spent almost an hour trying to think of something like this, but the best I could think of was "howjamauseit". I'm glad somebody was able to find a better solution than that. - ErWenn, 2007-03-22: 00:45:00

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Wrecknology

swallowedbyafish

Created by: swallowedbyafish

Pronunciation:

Sentence: He had been thwarted by another stupid piece of wrecknology!

Etymology: wreck + technology

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Dehancement

artr

Created by: artr

Pronunciation: dee-hans-ment

Sentence: New & improved! Fear these words. Too often they announce the dehancement of a product from tried and true to unfathomable.

Etymology: degrade (to lower in dignity or estimation; bring into contempt) + enhancement (to raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify)

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Einstymie

Created by: purpleartichokes

Pronunciation: EIN-sty-mee

Sentence: Sue was all thrilled to get her new cell phone, but after reading through the 245 page manual and realizing she didn't have a clue as to how to turn on the damn thing, she realized she had purchased yet another Einstymie.

Etymology: Einstein, stymie (A situation or problem presenting such difficulties as to discourage or defeat any attempt to deal with or resolve it.)

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COMMENTS:

very good - Jabberwocky, 2007-03-21: 11:31:00

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| Comments and Points

Trekkienology

Created by: Jabberwocky

Pronunciation: trekee/nawl/ogee

Sentence: I think you have to understand Vulcan to figure out modern trekkienology

Etymology: trekkie + technology

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COMMENTS:

live long and prosper - porsche, 2007-03-21: 11:29:00

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Unutilovelty

Created by: mana1066

Pronunciation: un-you-till-â-vul-tee

Sentence: When the people on tv used it, it seemed like it would change my life. when i got it in the mail it ended up being a unutilovelty that collected dust.

Etymology: un+ utilize + novelty

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Complacate

Created by: Nosila

Pronunciation: com plak kayt

Sentence: Initially when you had an IT problem, you just phoned Fred and he'd either tell you how to fix it or come and do it for you. When they installed a new system, they added a voice mail system to log complaints. It was intended to complacate the user. Your complaint was registered, but you had to go through an e-labourate series of "Press this, press that" options. You got nowhere but they figured all that button pushing kept you busy and entertained until they could figure out how you had screwed up their expensive system.

Etymology: Complicate (make more complex, intricate;confusing) & Placate (cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of;lull;mollify)

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Comments:

Verbotomy Verbotomy - 2007-03-20: 00:11:00
Today's definition was suggested by erasmus.
Thank you erasmus! ~ James

Verbotomy Verbotomy - 2009-10-07: 00:05:00
Today's definition was suggested by erasmus. Thank you erasmus. ~ James