KLUGE (kloodj)
alt. KLUDGE [from the German "kluge", clever]
n. 1. A Rube Goldberg device in hardware or software.
2. A clever programming trick intended to solve a particular nasty case in an efficient, if not clear, manner. Often used to repair bugs. Often verges on being a crock.
3. Something that works for the wrong reason.
4. v. To insert a kluge into a program. "I've kluged this routine to get around that weird bug, but there's probably a better way." Also KLUGE UP.
5. KLUGE AROUND: To avoid by inserting a kluge.
6. (WPI) A feature which is implemented in a RUDE manner.