Skip to main content

Magic Box Theory

The idea that certain devices or contraptions are inherently "magic" in some way and mere mortals are incapable of understanding their inner-workings. Some devices subject to "magic box theory" are (but are not limited to) computers, car engines/transmissions, microwaves, televisions, radios, calculators, etc.

Believers of the magic box theory are easily singled out by judging the reaction after giving them a simple request such as "open your hood" or "open the side of your computer".

A commonly held belief among Magic Box Theorists is that these devices have a will of their own with some sort of propensity toward a specific behavior. They can be heard stating that their "computer is acting funny" or that their "car is behaving differently", completely oblivious to the fact that computers and cars do not behave, they are behaved upon.
I told my boss's wife I could fix her computer. She said that's impossible because something is wrong with the "inside parts". Apparently she is a "Magic Box Theorist".

My boss wasn't sure if his car had antifreeze for the winter so I told him to open his hood and check. He freaked out and nearly choked to death on his tea. He, like his wife, subscribes to the "Magic Box Theory"

My friend's dad got a new TV and I set it up. A few days later he calls me and says "I pressed some button on the remote and now the TV isn't acting right". I'm sure that may have something to do with what action was taken on the TV e.g., the remote. Apparently, my friend's dad is a "Magic Box Theorist"
Magic Box Theory by CPUOverclocker64 December 14, 2009
Magic Box Theory mug front
Get the Magic Box Theory mug.
See more merch

Gayborhood 

N. A neighborhood containing homes, clubs, bars, restaurants, and other places of business and entertainment that cater to homosexuals.
"They've opened up a new club in the Gayborhood called the Male Box."
Gayborhood by Mia Shields January 6, 2006
Word of the Day on July 14, 2026
A small piece of information. Derived from the word ken, used often in the scottish language and is synonymous with knowledge.
Person 1: "Hey I don't get this shit. How do you solve this problem?"
Person 2: "I got that one. Give me some kenlets on this assignment and I'll help you w/ that one."
kenlet by Norma Y. October 8, 2005
Word of the Day on July 13, 2026

I mean I guess bro

a word of expression to when you give up on comprehending someone's words of ignorance, stupidity, absurdity or are too exhausted to formulate a proper response.

Commonly seen in TikTok comment sections in replies to lazy attempts at humor, overconfidentally incorrect statement, or an over-the-top comment or when someone completely misses the mark on something.
"actually... incorrect statement, hope this helps!"
"I mean I guess bro"
Word of the Day on July 12, 2026

abandonware 

n. software that is no longer sold or supported by the original publisher / developer, often found as free downloads on the internet because it cannot be obtained elsewhere. Not legal, but often seen as morally acceptable because the company that made it is no longer selling the title, nor releasing it as freeware, therefore abandonware is "keeping the game alive", so to speak.
Doom II is not abandonware because id still sells it, while The Incredible Machine is not sold, therefore is abandonware.
abandonware by Spoom October 24, 2003
Word of the Day on July 11, 2026

Foot prisons 

Socks. Annoying, sweat-causing, non-barefoot enducing, everyday socks.
The first thing I do when I take off my shoes, is rip off the foot prisons I had to wear inside them. That's why I prefer flip flops, even in winter!
Foot prisons by Jackalope Hunter December 13, 2022
Word of the Day on July 10, 2026

cornholio 

Ruler of Lake Titicaca. Rumored to have a bunghole that gets very angry if it does not receive toilet paper. Cornholio the Great is often seen walking around with his shirt over his head and his hands in the air, chanting songs about his power, and his bunghole.
"I am Cornholio! You do not want to face the wrath of my bunghole, for I need TP!"
Butthead: Shut up, Beavis! (uh huh huh huh)
Beavis: Um, okay. (heh heh heh heh).
cornholio by AYB July 20, 2003
Word of the Day on July 9, 2026