Idiot Proof

Idiot Proof

In modern English usage, the term "idiot proof" describes building, organizing or writing in such a way as to be usable to someone of lower to average intelligence. Defensive design. The term came into use in the late 1970s to early 1980s.

Several products have been successfully marketed with the catch that they are "idiot proof" i.e.(The Complete Idiot's Guide to...) are guides for those same people.

There are several variations to this theme such as Murphy-proofing, goof proof, foolproof (disambiguation), or ghetto proofing.

ee also

* foolproof (disambiguation)
* Murphy's law#The spirit of the law
* Hanlon's razor
* Chaos theory
* Unintended consequence
* Adages named after people
* The Complete Idiot's Guide to...


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • idiot-proof — idiot .proof adj something that is idiot proof is so easy to use or do that even stupid people will not break it or make a mistake ▪ idiot proof instructions …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • idiot-proof — /id ee euht proohf /, adj. built, organized, written, etc., in such a way as to be usable by or understandable to any person of average intelligence or skill: an idiot proof camera. [‡1975 80] * * * idˈiot proof adjective (of a tool, device,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • idiot-proof — /id ee euht proohf /, adj. built, organized, written, etc., in such a way as to be usable by or understandable to any person of average intelligence or skill: an idiot proof camera. [‡1975 80] * * * …   Universalium

  • idiot-proof — adjective Incapable of being misused even by the most stupid or careless of users …   Wiktionary

  • idiot-proof — /ˈɪdiət pruf/ (say ideeuht proohf) adjective 1. (of a device, method, etc.) very simple, thus making errors extremely unlikely even by those who lack skill in or aptitude for its use. –verb (t) 2. to make secure against even careless or foolish… …  

  • retard-proof — Idiot proof. For something so easy that no one of average intelligence can possibly screw it up. That twist off cap is retard proof …   Dictionary of american slang

  • retard-proof — Idiot proof. For something so easy that no one of average intelligence can possibly screw it up. That twist off cap is retard proof …   Dictionary of american slang

  • american proof — Canadian Slang Refers to any equipment or technique that is idiot proof to a degree that it may even be mastered by our colleagues from the US military also Yank Proof . Infantry Proof is also a common version of this saying …   English dialects glossary

  • id·i·ot-proof — /ˈıdijətˌpruːf/ adj informal : extremely easy to use or do idiot proof software …   Useful english dictionary

  • Sex, Pies and Idiot Scrapes — Infobox Simpsons episode episode name = Sex, Pies and Idiot Scrapes image caption = The episode s promotional image, featuring Flanders chasing Homer. episode no = 421 prod code = KABF17 airdate = September 28, 2008 show runner = Al Jean writer …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”