Rigmarole

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈrɪɡmÉ™rəʊl/
• US IPA: /ˈrɪɡmÉ™roÊŠl/

Alternative forms

• rigamarole

Origin

From ragman roll ("long list; catalogue").

Full definition of rigmarole

Noun

1. Complex, obsolete procedures; excess steps or activity; needless motion.Have you seen all the rigmarole you have to go through at airport security these days?
2. Nonsense; confused and incoherent talk.1895 — In comes Mitaiele to Lloyd, and told some rigmarole about Paatalise (the steward's name) wanting to go and see his family in the bush. — Robert Luis Stevenson, , ch XIX
• De QuinceyOften one's dear friend talks something which one scruples to call rigmarole.