MacGyverism en · NOUN
Etymology
From 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.
Meanings
-
(countable, uncountable) An ingeniously improvised solution to a problem.
Anyone can learn real-life MacGyverisms using everyday items — you just have to be a little sneaky.
2005, Mark Frauenfelder, Make: Technology on Your Time, volume 4, page 152:She wanted the quick fix — the most economical choice — the MacGyverism. But that's not what she needed. She needed a complete makeover.
2008, Joshua Via, The Discovery: Beyond the Jesus of Flapjacks and Grilled Cheese, page 45: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.
2012, Jeanne Thornton, The Dream of Dr. Bantam, page 254:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacGyverisms | Number=Plur | lexicographic |