MacGyverism

English

Etymology

MacGyver +‎ -ism, after the US television show MacGyver (1985–1992) in which the eponymous secret agent resolves crises through practical application of scientific knowledge and inventive use of common items.

Noun

MacGyverism (countable and uncountable, plural MacGyverisms)

  1. An ingeniously improvised solution to a problem.
    • 2005, Mark Frauenfelder, Make: Technology on Your Time, volume 4, page 152:
      Anyone can learn real-life MacGyverisms using everyday items — you just have to be a little sneaky.
    • 2008, Joshua Via, The Discovery: Beyond the Jesus of Flapjacks and Grilled Cheese, page 45:
      She wanted the quick fix — the most economical choice — the MacGyverism. But that's not what she needed. She needed a complete makeover.
    • 2012, Jeanne Thornton, The Dream of Dr. Bantam, page 254:
      She had to figure out how to change the lock on the door downstairs—the gum had been a stopgap measure to keep Ira from coming in, classic Institute Macgyverism.
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