Both these words came up during a very nice conversation that I had this morning with Luis EA5BRE on 20 meter SSB. I told Luis that I had first heard "cacharreo" from Cuban hams who had apparently done a lot of it. I recently heard "artilugio" being used in a podcast from Spain; they were using it to mean a "gizmo" or a "contraption." All of us do a lot of "cacharreo" and we build a lot of "artilugios." And we have all done some weeping as a result of our artilugios (see below).
Google AI says:
The Spanish word cacharreo refers to the act of tinkering or fiddling with something, often in an attempt to fix, modify, or improve it. It is an informal, colloquial term derived from the verb cacharrear. This activity is typically done in an amateur way, not by a professional.
Common uses of cacharreo:
Hobbies and DIY: It is used to describe hands-on hobbies like tinkering with electronics, computers, cars, or audio equipment. For example, a video about "hifi systems" was described as a "Ruta del Cacharreo".
- Minor repairs: It can refer to attempting to fix a broken household item. For instance, "Estuve cacharreando con la TV, pero sin éxito" translates to "I've been fiddling with the TV trying to fix it, but to no avail".
- General fiddling: It can also be used in a more general sense to mean "messing with" or handling something without a clear purpose. For example, "¡Deja de cacharrear con el refrigerador!" means "Stop messing with the fridge!".
- A piece of junk or old, useless object
- A broken-down car
- A cheap gadget
- A cooking pot or dish
---------------------
- Gadget: A small tool or device with a specific function.
- Contraption: A machine or device that looks strange or complicated.
- Gizmo: An informal word for a gadget or device.
- Gimmick: A trick or special feature used to attract attention.
- Contrivance: A mechanical device, or a clever plan or scheme.
The word artilugio is thought to have an ironic origin, combining the Latin words ars ("skill" or "art") and lugere ("to mourn" or "weep"). The combination humorously implies a device that, despite being "artful," is so complex that it might make one "weep" out of frustration.
Yes, they are common words in spanish, but used in Spain only. Here in Argentina we do not use them. If we want to search for a homebrew rig, we look for "transceptor casero" or "equipo de radio de construccion casera" with the word "casero / casera" meaning that it is made at home.
ReplyDeleteWell, I got cacharreo from Cuban hams, so this word is used outside of Spain too. Artilugio is also used outside of Spain. Here is what AI says about it:
ReplyDeleteYes, the Spanish word artilugio is used outside of Spain.
While Spanish has regional variations, the word is generally understood across the Spanish-speaking world to mean a device, gadget, contraption, or gizmo.
-----------------
So sure, in English we would rarely describe our rigs as "gizmos" or "contraptions" but if we did, people would know what we were talking about.
And I was thinking that there are phrases in English with regional differences kind of similar to what we find with these two words. For example, in U.S. English I might describe an overly complicated invention as being "Rube-Goldberg." But in the UK the same device would be described as being "Heath-Robinson."
Delete...and on the Indian subcontinent there is a thing called "jugaad"...
DeleteOh man, jugaad is such a cool term. We may put it in the SolderSmoke Lexicon. And I may do a blog post on this. For now, here is what AI says about it:
ReplyDeleteJugaad is a Hindi term for an innovative, frugal, and flexible solution to a problem. It can refer to both a makeshift, improvised solution, such as a vehicle built from scrap parts, or a broader approach to problem-solving that emphasizes doing more with less. English equivalents include "workaround," "lifehack," or "kludge".
Meaning and origin
Origin: The term originates from Hindi and is often used to describe improvised solutions that go beyond regular rules.
Meaning:
Literally, it can refer to a makeshift automobile constructed from inexpensive materials.
Figuratively, it describes an innovative mindset of finding ingenious solutions with limited resources, often by adapting existing objects.
Examples:
Vehicles: A "jugaad" vehicle is a common example, often built with a diesel pump engine on a wooden cart.
Everyday life: Using a punctured plastic bottle as a shower hose or a tiffin box tied to a cycle as a temporary carrier are also examples.
Business: The concept has been applied to business strategy, emphasizing flexibility and resourcefulness.
Principles of jugaad
Seek opportunity in adversity.
Do more with less.
Think and act flexibly.
Keep it simple.
Include the margin.
Follow your heart.