(n.)
The resulting conversation between two
people with artificial, little or no intelligence. While it
may seem
like a normal conversation from afar, it actually makes little or no sense. Usually had between
people who are convinced of their own intelligence, but in fact, have no clue.
A Furby (plural Furbys or Furbies) was a
popular electronic toy released in 1998 with apparent "artificial intelligence" (AI). The toys were designed to interact with kids by speaking and responding to voices. The Furbies start out speaking entirely Furbish, a nonsense language with
short words, simple syllables, and various other sounds. The Furbies are programmed to speak less Furbish as they learn more English over time.
When two Furbies were placed next to each other, they would respond to each other's speech. Because Furbies have no actual or inherent intelligence, one Furby merely responds to the other's noises with their own limited language. Over time this deteriorates into nonsense, hence "the furby effect".
Boss: So I've had a discussion with the project manager, and we both agreed you should have a larger part in this project
You: (Not
happy about this decision made without your consent) Furby Effect!
Andrew: Did you hear the debate last night between Gillard and Abbott?
Migs: Yeah. They started off discussing their stands on asylum seekers. Then it went downhill, political mudslinging and criticizing dress sense....
Andrew: Yeah, politicians are prone to the Furby effect...
Grace: So I had this really deep conversation with
Claire at the
party last night, we talked about some pretty serious issues facing youth today...
Zones: Woman, you were both so drunk and stoned nobody at the
party could understand what either of you were saying. Furby effect in action, baby.
