Vote for the best verboticism.
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.
Verboticisms
Click on each verboticism to read the sentences created by the Verbotomy writers, and to see your voting options...
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Stymieware
Created by: artr
Pronunciation: stīmēwər
Sentence: Jerry is proud to own the latest, greatest smart phone. It is apparently smarter than him. Yesterday it automatically downloaded and installed the freshest stymieware. It is supposed to give him all kinds of new state-of-the-art capabilities. He is lucky to figure out how to make a phone call. He tried to text his brother but ended up in a video conference call with some guys in Denmark. It might have been interesting if he understood them.
Etymology: stymie (prevent or hinder the progress of) + software (the programs and other operating information used by a computer)
Dehancement
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)
Iletdown
Created by: iwasatripwire
Pronunciation: eye-let-down
Sentence: Oh man, that cool new feature turned out to be such an iLetdown.
Etymology: "i" (as in iPod, iPhone, etc) + "let down"
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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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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Technoprisoners
Created by: porsche
Pronunciation: tek/no/prizoners
Sentence: The motto of tech support is technoprisoners
Etymology: take no prisoners + technology
Indautified
Created by: jonobo
Pronunciation: in - doubtified
Sentence: We are surrounded by indautified technology.
Etymology: In as a negative pre-syllable. DAU = German abbreviation for Stupidest Expected User, so SEU in englich. certified. Short: Technology that is not certified for DAUs/SEUs.
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)
Techbotcholy
Created by: erasmus
Pronunciation: teck bot ch olly
Sentence: the techbotcholy at our office is so unusable you cant even type your name in without it changing to Korean keyboard layout.
Etymology: from technology and botch
Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by erasmus.
Thank you erasmus! ~ James
Today's definition was suggested by erasmus. Thank you erasmus. ~ James