A patently shoddy or cheaply conceived idea, item, or transaction that is undertaken with the intention to save
time, money or effort with a
net result of a loss of
time, money and or quality. The historical etymology of the term traces back to Patrick Merz, a Lansing, MI area chef who characteristically engaged in behavior of this kind.
"Yeah, the contractor finished but used quikcrete instead of real granite- it was basically a Merz
job"...."Sorry
man, sounds like you've been Merzed".
"I pulled a Merz and finagled this senile old
woman until she sold me the Dodge Dart for $750. Score"
"No sir, I will not gamble my inheritance for a change to win that cruise to Atlantic City. Who do you think I am, Patrick Merz?