bricolage

[ bree-kuh-lahzh, brik-uh- ]

noun

, plural bri·co·la·ges [bree-k, uh, -, lah, -zhiz, ‑-, lahzh], bri·co·lage.

1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things.
2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
3. (in art) a piece of makeshift handiwork.
4. the use of multiple, diverse research methods.

bricolage

/ ˈbrɪkəˌlɑːʒ; brɪkɔlaʒ /

noun

1. the jumbled effect produced by the close proximity of buildings from different periods and in different architectural styles
2. the deliberate creation of such an effect in certain modern developments

   the post-modernist bricolage of the new shopping centre

Word History and Origins

Origin of bricolage¹

First recorded in 1960–65; from French, literally, “do-it-yourself,” from bricoler “to do odd jobs, small chores,” from Middle French bricoler “to zigzag, bounce off,” from Old French bricole “a trifle, bricole ( def ) ” + -age -age ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bricolage¹

French: odd jobs, do-it-yourself