PsychologyJuly 29, 2026

rigmarole

RIG-muh-rohl

Definition

A long, confusing, or needlessly complicated process, set of procedures, or series of statements.

Etymology

Originating in the 18th century, it is likely an alteration of the Middle English 'ragman roll,' referring to a long list or catalog of names, or a legal document with many appended seals.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe the convoluted and repetitive series of behavioral experiments imposed on research participants, which the author feels are ultimately dehumanizing and unnecessary.

Go/No-Go—How Mental Health Research Took a Wrong Turn: An Interview with Author Marianne Apostolides

Read the full article ↗

Mad In America

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