Ever seen an absolutely absurd invention or creation and weren't quite sure what to call it? Don't worry, an enterprising Japanese gentlemen called Kenji Kawakami has coined a term, 'Chindogu', to classify this type of crazy innovation. The word's definition is "any invention which is so mind-bogglingly absurd that you forget about its actual practicality" -- and there are quite a few inventions like that out there. Some examples:
"The Baby Mop"
The full body umbrella
The noodle cooler
The Daddy nurser
The finger mounted tooth brush
There is even an established International Chindogu society. So if you're trying to create a bizzare invention worthy to be defined as a Chindogu, follow the 10 tenets of Chindogu.
The following ten tenets define the gentle art and philosophy of Chindogu:
- A Chindogu cannot be for real use
- A Chindogu must exist
- Inherent in every Chindogu is the spirit of anarchy
- Chindogu are tools for everyday life
- Chindogu are not for sale
- Humor must not be the sole reason for creating a Chindogu
- Chindogu is not propaganda
- Chindogu are never taboo
- Chindogu cannot be patented
- Chindogu are without prejudice
-Erin Shields
