confusopoly
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Coined in The Dilbert Future by Scott Adams. From confuse by analogy with monopoly and oligopoly.
Noun[edit]
confusopoly (plural confusopolies)
- (neologism, economics) An economic condition whereby the market force of competition is evaded via intentional obfuscation.
- 1999, "David Marshall", ADSL for 200 quid a month? (discussion on Internet newsgroup alt.dur.general)
- Be aware that BT have just cut some prices, *and* introduced a new tariff that you can buy your way onto. Beware however that it's an even bigger confusopoly than it was before.
- 2001, Herbert Jack Rotfeld, Adventures in Misplaced Marketing
- Instead of the power of monopoly, consumers lose to the power of confusopoly.
- 2003, "Stevie D", Regulating privatised companies (rail versus telecom, water, electricity, gas) (discussion on Internet newsgroup uk.railway)
- One of the main reasons to have competition is that it leads to lower prices. So now we have a confusopoly where innumerable providers are all offering us special deals but actual prices are being kept artificially high.
- 1999, "David Marshall", ADSL for 200 quid a month? (discussion on Internet newsgroup alt.dur.general)