Meta-Problems

Problems that are generated by the failed or clumsy attempts to solve a previous, more basic problem. They are the "second-order" crises, complications, and unintended consequences that arise from the solution itself. Solving the original problem often makes the meta-problem worse, creating a vicious cycle. You can't fix them with the same thinking that created them; you need to step back and rethink the entire approach.

Meta-Problems Example: The original problem is urban crime. A solution is aggressive "stop-and-frisk" policing. The Meta-Problem created is the devastating erosion of community trust in law enforcement, leading to less cooperation, more violence, and a deeper legitimacy crisis. The "solution" has now spawned a worse, more complex problem.

Meta-Problems by Dumu The Void February 4, 2026

Meta-macro problem 

The most difficult problem in engineering.

Involves converting an image into pure currency.

The initial approach requires a two-step approach of transposing the elements and converting them to value.

Image-currency problem.

The meta-macro problem assumes that an image has value-in-itself.

Meta-macro problem by metawave September 15, 2019

jerb 

well known from south park
rednecks get angrry that future folk took there jobs so they yell
They took ouare jerbs!

Them future folk took ouare jerbs!

jerb by Jimberley Kim April 7, 2005

Cheeks 

An Irish phrase meaning shit, derived from ass
(Not to be confused with the literal description of one's buttocks)

"Did you hear the song Aylek$ dropped?"
"Hardly. Her music is absolute cheeks."

"My boyfriend say LaFlame is cheeks."
"Tell your boyfriend I said it's his mixtape that's cheeks."

Cheeks by thecartisan April 26, 2020

sans sheriff 

Lawless use of fonts or typography, with no regard to aesthetics or legibility

I'm putting this CV straight in the bin. Written totally sans sheriff.

sans sheriff by Jamarley July 3, 2019

Breadhead 

Someone who is addicted to obtaining money and building wealth. A money addict and fanatic. Breadheads often work more than one full-time job, and some even participate in illicit activities to "obtain the bread".

A breadhead is like a crackhead, but for money instead of crack.

Breadhead by 🅱️ U S 3 4 8 March 30, 2022

Stink lines

As seen in illustrations or cartoons: Wavy, vertical lines rising above a person, place or thing. Denotes a foul odor.

"You didn't put enough stink lines on your picture of the teacher."

Stink lines by Athene Airheart March 14, 2004