Dongle

Categories: Tech

It sounds like a Scottish swear word. As in, "I'm scunner wi’ that bonny wee dongle."

But it's actually a computer accessory. You plug it into the port on a computer (or other electronic device...TV, game console, etc.). Some dongles act as adapters, allowing you to plug in other devices. Other dongles are like keys that allow you to use restricted software...a physical security measure. Think: joysticks for nerdier nerds than those who use joysticks. And yes, the joystick name is way better than "dongle."

Still other dongles will go bar-hopping with you in Edinburgh all night and never offer to pick up a round. But now we digress to the other definition (that we completely made up).

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