Shoehorning: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'shoehorning' originally referred to the tool used to help put on tight-fitting shoes.
• It emerged in the early 20th century, taking on a figurative meaning in various fields like business and technology.
• By the 1980s, the word began to be used more widely to describe forcing ideas or options into a project.

Technology

• In software development, shoehorning refers to adapting a product to fit new specifications, which can lead to complications and inefficiencies.
• Shoehorning can limit creativity, as it forces developers to work within constraints rather than exploring innovative solutions.
• Commonly used in project management, it often leads to scope creep, where original goals are compromised.

Psychology

• Psychologists note that shoehorning in thinking can create cognitive dissonance, where people struggle with conflicting ideas or beliefs.
• This behavior can be linked to stress as individuals may feel pressured to meet expectations that don’t align with their natural abilities.
• People often exhibit shoehorning when under pressure, leading to less effective decision-making.

Business

• In marketing, shoehorning can occur when products are forced into categories where they don't naturally belong, leading to consumer confusion.
• Businesses may sometimes shoehorn features into products to meet trends instead of focusing on customer needs and preferences.
• This technique can result in negative customer experiences, making them feel overwhelmed by unnecessary options.

Art & Literature

• In storytelling, shoehorning can happen when plots are forced together, leading to awkward narratives that feel contrived.
• Writers often critique shoehorning as it can dilute original themes and messages, losing the essence of creative expression.
• Critics note that shoehorning happens in film franchises when new characters are added without proper development or integration.