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Bricked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bricked

[brษชkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

technology failure

To brick something, especially a device, means to render it completely inoperable or nonfunctional, much like a brick. This commonly occurs with electronic devices such as smartphones or computers when a software update fails, or the device is improperly modified. Once a device is bricked, it often cannot be repaired by the user without professional help. The term is metaphorically derived from the idea that the device is as useful as a brick.

Synonyms

disable, render useless.

Examples of usage

  • My phone got bricked after the update.
  • He accidentally bricked his gaming console.
  • The laptop was bricked due to a failed installation.
  • After the firmware was installed incorrectly, the tablet was bricked.
Context #2 | Adjective

physical state

Describing something as bricked can refer to its physical state, meaning it is composed of or resembles bricks. This term is often used in construction to signify a structure that is made of bricks or brick-like materials. In a broader context, it can describe anything that visually resembles bricks in color or texture.

Synonyms

composed, constructed.

Examples of usage

  • The house was bricked and easily identifiable.
  • He bought a bricked wall for his garden.
  • The building's exterior is bricked.
  • The path was made of bricked tiles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Many smartphones, when a faulty update is applied, can become 'bricked' and require specialized service to fix.
  • Bricking can happen due to hardware failures, software issues, or improper updating procedures.

Gaming Culture

  • In gaming, 'bricking' often refers to consoles that cannot be turned on because of a software failure, usually after a system update.
  • Gamers frequently discuss bricking as a risk with certain modifications and hacks, weighing the excitement against potential failure.

Psychology

  • The feeling of frustration associated with a 'bricked' device parallels the psychological concept of helplessness when users are unable to resolve tech issues.
  • Users often experience anxiety or stress when their devices become bricked, linked to dependence on technology in everyday life.

Literature

  • The term has appeared in various sci-fi texts symbolizing the futility of technology, where advanced devices fail unexpectedly.
  • Writers often use the concept of bricking metaphorically to illustrate characters feeling stuck in their lives or unable to move forward.

Origin of 'bricked'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated in the tech community, referring to devices that became as useless as a brick after a malfunction.
  • It was first widely used in the early 2000s, especially among gamers dealing with video game consoles.

The term 'brick' comes from the Old French word 'brique', denoting a building material made of clay. The use of 'bricked' as a verb is a modern adaptation seen primarily in technology and electronics. As devices became more reliant on complex software systems, the risk of rendering them inoperable increased, leading to the metaphorical use of the term. The concept of โ€˜brickingโ€™ a device emerged in the late 1990s, coinciding with the rise of personal computing and mobile technology. The transition from a physical application of the word to a digital context exemplifies the adaptability of language in response to changing technology and cultural practices.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,702 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.