posted
A similar expression I have heard a few times is "shade tree engineering". Back in the old days before cars had computers and such, mechanics could drive a car under a big shade tree, fix a block and tackle to a sturdy limb and hoist that engine right out of the car. Repairs or modifications were made, the engine dropped back in, a few bucks (or other commodities) changed hands and the car owner went on his way.
The phrase implies a certain amount of improvisation and possibly the use of parts from dubious sources.
Posts: 23 | From: Carson, CA | Registered: May 2006
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While I've never tried anything that was shown on the show, I can't even begin to tell you how much of my first car (a 198-something clunker in 1996) was held together with rolls of duct tape a la MacGuyver. I used to carry a roll with me in case something else would go up while I was driving.
-------------------- Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference. "Divorce is not caused because 50% of marriages end in gayness." - Jon Stewart my space on myspace--now showing "80's Video Of The Week" Posts: 278 | From: Bel Air, MD | Registered: May 2006
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At our ghettogates (very downscale football tailgate that my brother throws), we regularly have McGyver moments. My brother mcgyvered a salsa bowl out of a paper plate and duct tape. I mcgyvered a trash can out of a pop up laundry bag, some velcro strips, and a couple of clothes pins that meant that we no longer had to scratch around the dirt for all those beer cans after the game. Or trip over the mound of cans.
I occasionally use the old-fashioned phrase "bailing wire and chewing gum" for a a quick fix
Posts: 4811 | From: Austin, TX | Registered: Feb 2000
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I always use the term "MacGuyvering/ed" when referring to someone making something out of virtually nothing.
I never even watched the show, but knew the premise of it.
I didn't think anyone else really used the term.
-------------------- Licorice of the Lord! This is classy stuff...Should I be wearing a tie? Or, at least, pants? ~I'mNotDedalus Posts: 975 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jun 2005
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I always "MacGyver" up some dinner - basically looking into the fridge and cupboards, and managing to make a meal with a slice of bread, three spinach leaves, a dab of leftover mashed potatoes, and a few other assorted odds and ends from the pantry.
-------------------- Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu Posts: 1544 | From: Northern California | Registered: Jul 2004
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