Concealing upgraded functionality in an apparently lower-level product, which is then restored by a ridiculously simple action, such as opening up a panel and turning a screw.
In the heyday of the mainframe, hardware upgrades were installed ahead of time and deactivated. When the customer was finally up-sold on the improvements, a sales engineer simply crawled inside and did little more than turn a screw.
The reward/effort ratio was so high that this practice was called the Golden Screwdriver.
Certain software programs appear to be sold in different versions, but in reality, these functionality tiers are controlled by the serial number the user is given to enter during registration.
The reward/effort ratio was so high that this practice was called the Golden Screwdriver.
Certain software programs appear to be sold in different versions, but in reality, these functionality tiers are controlled by the serial number the user is given to enter during registration.
by desserteagle October 31, 2009
Donna: WHAT SHOULD WE DO?!
Dr Who (pulls out sonic screwdriver): I was thinking this.
Bzzzzzz
-THEY AREE NOW OUT OF TROUBLE-
Dr Who (pulls out sonic screwdriver): I was thinking this.
Bzzzzzz
-THEY AREE NOW OUT OF TROUBLE-
by GODFREY! March 8, 2009
by ddunn June 5, 2018
by scarywolf91 March 20, 2008
A cocktail containing blue Jones Soda and Vodka. The Sonic Screwdriver is a variation of the screwdriver cocktail. The name "Sonic Screwdriver" is a reference to the multi-functional tool used by The Doctor in the science-fiction show Doctor Who. "Sonic" may also be in reference to Sonic the Hedgehog due to the character and the drink both being blue. Curaçao Liqueur mixed with orange juice is also referred to as a Sonic Screwdriver.
Friend: "Awwww man!, we're all out of orange juice"
Me: "It's okay I got Jones Soda, we'll makes some Sonic Screwdrivers"
Friend: "What's that?"
Me: "Only the most delectable cocktail ever created!"
Me: "It's okay I got Jones Soda, we'll makes some Sonic Screwdrivers"
Friend: "What's that?"
Me: "Only the most delectable cocktail ever created!"
by pandaSmore April 24, 2011
A screwdriver minus the alcohol. Thus, a virgin screwdriver is merely a new way of saying "orange juice".
Johnny Q-Bert: I'm too young to drink alcohol, but I enjoy drinking a virgin screwdriver every morning before going to school.
Tracey Lafayette: Shut up slacker!
Johnny Q-Bert: Okay.
Tracey Lafayette: Shut up slacker!
Johnny Q-Bert: Okay.
by JohnnyQBert May 1, 2007
When a man is doing a handstand above the prostitute. The prostitute proceeds to shove wads of raw noodles up the man's asshole while the the man spins on a platform.
"Yo, I was in China for business and I got the sickest Chinese Screwdriver. I can taste the noodles."
by Mom Poon Monsoon October 4, 2013