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Rigamarole: meaning, definitions and examples

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rigamarole

 

[ˈrɪɡəˌmɔːroʊl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

complex procedure

Rigamarole refers to a lengthy and complicated procedure or set of instructions. It denotes a series of unimportant or tedious steps that must be followed to achieve something. Often used to imply that the process is unnecessarily convoluted or burdensome, it highlights the absurdity of overcomplicating simple tasks. Rigamarole can also describe a confusing or nonsensical situation, contributing to the frustration or confusion experienced by those involved.

Synonyms

complexity, formality, hassle, nonsense, procedure.

Examples of usage

  • The rigamarole of filing taxes can be overwhelming.
  • She described the rigamarole involved in getting a new passport.
  • After going through the rigamarole of interviews, he finally got the job.
  • We had to deal with a lot of rigamarole just to book the venue for the event.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "rigamarole" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confusão

🇮🇳 जटिलता

🇩🇪 Umständlichkeit

🇮🇩 kerumitan

🇺🇦 заплутаність

🇵🇱 zawirowania

🇯🇵 ややこしさ

🇫🇷 bizarrerie

🇪🇸 enredo

🇹🇷 karışıklık

🇰🇷 복잡함

🇸🇦 تعقيد

🇨🇿 složitost

🇸🇰 zložitosti

🇨🇳 复杂

🇸🇮 zapletenost

🇮🇸 flækja

🇰🇿 күрделілік

🇬🇪 სირთულე

🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq

🇲🇽 confusión

Word Frequency Rank

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.