talkaround
In software programming, it's a particular type of workaround where a client calls you about a bug, and instead of fixing it, you convince the client that the bug is actually a feature.
Client: Hey, if I click this button the program crashes!
Programmer: Oh yeah, it's actually designed that way, it's a very useful feature. Let me explain...
2 hours of gibberish and incomprehensible technical jargon later...
Programmer: ...so as you see it's perfectly correct that the program behaves this way.
Client: Err... Ok. Thanks for the explanation.
Programmer: You're welcome! If you have any other questions about our product's features, feel free to ask!
Later
Project manager: Hey, how did you convince the client not to open an issue for that bug?
Programmer: Oh, it was easy, I gave him the standard talkaround.
Programmer: Oh yeah, it's actually designed that way, it's a very useful feature. Let me explain...
2 hours of gibberish and incomprehensible technical jargon later...
Programmer: ...so as you see it's perfectly correct that the program behaves this way.
Client: Err... Ok. Thanks for the explanation.
Programmer: You're welcome! If you have any other questions about our product's features, feel free to ask!
Later
Project manager: Hey, how did you convince the client not to open an issue for that bug?
Programmer: Oh, it was easy, I gave him the standard talkaround.
talkaround by work was invented by a jerk July 10, 2021
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