Rube Goldberg
PRONUNCIATION:
(roob GOLD-buhrg) 
MEANING:
adjective: Absurdly complex or impractical.
ETYMOLOGY:
After cartoonist Rube Goldberg (1883-1970) who was known for his intricate drawings showing fantastically impractical contraptions to accomplish simple jobs. Earliest documented use: 1928.
NOTES:
Inspired? Take part in the Rube Goldberg contest.
The British equivalent of the term is Heath Robinson.
The British equivalent of the term is Heath Robinson.
USAGE:
"A Rube Goldberg solution to a simple problem, Sea Swap has proved too unstable for long-term practice."
Matthew Hipple; Sea Swap: It's a Trap; United States Naval Institute Proceedings; Jul 2013.
Matthew Hipple; Sea Swap: It's a Trap; United States Naval Institute Proceedings; Jul 2013.
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