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...
You have two votes. Click on the words to read the details, then vote your favorite.
Modconjob
Created by: petaj
Pronunciation: mod-con-job
Sentence: It was all hype and bonhomie in the sales pitch, but I've hit the trough of disillusionment with this modconjob.
Etymology: mod con (modern convenience) + con job (trick pulled by a confidence artist)
Gateget
Created by: Stevenson0
Pronunciation: gate/jit
Sentence: Another inservice on the latest gateget. I need an inservice on the inservice to figure out all the latest gategets.
Etymology: Bill Gates + gate + gadget
Nonnovation
Created by: Koekbroer
Pronunciation: non-oh-vay-shin
Sentence: "Blast! This remote control is so complicated. It's a nonnovation."
Etymology: non; innovate
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)
Ditzmo
Created by: jedijawa
Pronunciation: ditz-mo
Sentence: The ditzmo was such a complicated bit of electronics that Bobbie didn't even try to figure it out.
Etymology: ditz (a scatterbrain) + gizmo (a mechanical device)
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COMMENTS:
Perfect! - wordmeister, 2007-03-21: 00:42:00
Simple and cute! Love it! - purpleartichokes, 2007-03-21: 04:39:00
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Glitchtech
Created by: Mustang
Pronunciation: glitsch-tek
Sentence: As usual, the latest innovation offered by the software provider contained the usual abundance of glitchtech making it almost impossible to use by anyone other than a seasoned techie.
Etymology: Blend of 'glitch' (a minor problem that causes a temporary setback a snag) and 'tech', abbreviation for technology
Hardprove
Created by: arlouxo
Pronunciation: hardproove
Sentence: why do you have to hardprove everything?
Etymology: hard: because it became harder / prove: from "improve" because you have moved on
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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Techurdle
Created by: wordmeister
Pronunciation: tech-her-del
Sentence: Windows Vista is so full of techurdles that it practically trips over itself everytime it starts up.
Etymology: tech+hurdle
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COMMENTS:
I like that one! - jedijawa, 2007-03-22: 00:10:00
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Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by erasmus.
Thank you erasmus! ~ James
Today's definition was suggested by erasmus. Thank you erasmus. ~ James