What does idiot-proof mean?
Definitions for idiot-proof
id·iot-proof
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word idiot-proof.
Wiktionary
idiot-proofadjective
Incapable of being misused even by the most stupid or careless of users.
Wikipedia
Idiot-proof
In modern English usage, the informal term idiot-proof or foolproof describes designs that cannot be misused either inherently, or by use of defensive design principles. The implication is that the design is usable even by someone of low intelligence who would not use it properly. The term "foolproof" originates in 1902. The term "idiot-proof" became popular in the 1970s. It may have been invented as a stronger-sounding version of foolproof, as the force of foolproof had declined due to frequent usage. Perhaps for the same reason, "foolproof" is now a formal term, whereas "idiot-proof" remains informal. Several Murphy's law adages claim that idiot-proof systems cannot be made, for example "Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool" and "If you make something idiot-proof, someone will just make a better idiot." Along those lines, Douglas Adams wrote in Mostly Harmless, "a common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools".
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of idiot-proof in Chaldean Numerology is: 4
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of idiot-proof in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1
Examples of idiot-proof in a Sentence
Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning.
Programming today is a race between software engineers stirring to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the universe is winning.
Translations for idiot-proof
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- idiot-bevisDanish
- a prueba de idiotasSpanish
- À prova de idiotaPortuguese
Get even more translations for idiot-proof »
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"idiot-proof." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/idiot-proof>.
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