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Chris -- 2025-05-10
Boilerplate is any text that is or can be reused in new contexts or applications without being changed much from the original. Many computer programmers often use the term boilerplate code. A legal boilerplate is a standard provision in a contract. The term can also be used to describe text that is unnecessary due to its repetitiveness. (from WP)
“Who writes these boiler play Tech Support responses?†Source
“I think that any leader, it’s almost like boiler play, will say we can’t take a military option off the table.†Source
“the story, which is insipid scifi boilerplay not fit for the script to an episode of Cleopatra 2525†Source
“Again this is all kind of boiler play.†Source (RTF)
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Well done, adurdin, and welcome to ye olde forum.
“Boilerplate” is a metaphor based on an outdated technology to implement an outdated technology—well placed for eggcorning.
I suppose “cut and paste” would be a modern technological equivalent.
Last edited by kem (2011-01-10 15:59:02)
Hatching new language, one eggcorn at a time.
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How might “boiler play” be understood? Something to do with a potboiler? Obligatory overcooked vegetables?
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Nicely presented as far as the reshaping of “plate” to “play” goes. Though, like burred, I still wonder about the “boiler” portion; what meaning is attributed to it by the “boiler play” utterers? ... I wonder if anyone has naively reshaped it.
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