bricolage
UK[ˌbriːkɒˈlɑːʒ]US[ˌbriːkoʊˈlɑːʒ]
n
a construction or creation from a diverse range of available things.
n
(in art or literature) the technique of constructing works from various materials or sources.
Etymology
the word 'bricolage' was borrowed directly from french in the mid-20th century, particularly gaining prominence through the anthropological theories of claude lévi-strauss. in french, it derives from the verb 'bricoler', meaning 'to tinker' or 'to do odd jobs,' which itself has older roots in the old french 'bricole' (a trifle, a siege engine). this traces further back to the italian 'briccola', likely of germanic origin, possibly related to an old high german word for a breach or a break. the core semantic journey is from the concept of using a device for indirect attack (a siege engine) to general tinkering and makeshift repair, finally evolving into the modern abstract meaning of creative assembly from whatever is at hand.
Analysis
the word is a loanword from french and is not productively segmented using english morphemes. it is treated as a simplex form in english.
Examples
the sculpture was a fascinating bricolage of scrap metal, old gears, and broken glass.
her musical style is a bricolage, blending folk melodies with electronic beats.
the film is a cinematic bricolage, incorporating home videos, newsreel footage, and animation.