Rigamarole Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Culture

• The term is often used in contemporary culture to critique bureaucratic processes that are overly complex and time-consuming.
• In literature and film, it sometimes characterizes characters who use flowery language to obscure the truth or delay decisions.
• Comedians frequently employ 'rigamarole' in their routines to highlight the absurdity of overly complicated procedures.

Psychology

• Cognitive overload can occur when being presented with too much information, leading to feelings of frustration, often referred to informally as dealing with a 'rigamarole.'
• Language that adds unnecessary complexity can cause listeners to lose interest or struggle to engage with the main idea.
• The term aligns with theories regarding the simplicity principle, where clearer communication fosters better understanding.

Everyday Use

• People often use 'rigamarole' during everyday conversations to describe events such as complicated meetings or lengthy procedures.
• In politics, it is used to critique convoluted laws or regulations that seem to complicate matters unnecessarily.
• The phrase can replace simpler terms like 'hassle' or 'fuss,' offering a more amusing or elaborate description of frustrating situations.

Literature

• Authors often use 'rigamarole' to impart a feeling of confusion or complexity in characters' lives or plot developments.
• It frequently appears in satirical works, where the absurdity of the language mirrors the confusion of the characters involved.
• In poetry, using 'rigamarole' can create a humorous effect, emphasizing themes of confusion or misunderstanding in human interactions.

Main points about word origin

• The word likely originated in the late 19th century, possibly derived from 'rigmarole,' an old term for a rambling story.
• It has roots in the term 'ragman roll,' which referred to a long list or inventory, especially of discarded items.
• The spelling 'rigamarole' is a phonetic variant, which reflects how the word is spoken rather than its formal writing.

The word 'rigamarole' has an interesting etymology that traces back to the early 19th century, likely originating from a complex game of chance called 'ragman' or 'ragamuffin'. It derives from a combination of the Old French word 'ragoût' (to entice or lure) and the Middle English term 'merole', which means a riddle or trick. The evolution of the word reflects its association with convoluted and unnecessarily complicated situations. Initially, it carried a playful connotation, describing a series of convoluted actions, but over time, it has come to signify tediousness and absurdity in everyday scenarios. Its usage has grown through literature and colloquial speech, embodying a sense of frustration over complexity.

At position #41,956, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 41953 chunkier
• 41954 depressurize
• 41955 slowpoke
• 41956 rigamarole
• 41957 squarest
• 41958 intangibly
• 41959 parlaying
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