Derivaattoimetri

Derivaattoimetri is a fictional concept that appears in the animated series Futurama. It is a device used by the robot Bender Bending Rodriguez to measure the "derivativeness" of a joke. The device itself is depicted as a handheld gadget with a dial and a display screen that shows a numerical value. Bender uses the derivaattoimetri to assess how original or unoriginal a joke is, often to his own amusement or dismay. The concept plays on the idea of originality and creativity, particularly in the context of humor, and highlights Bender's often cynical and critical personality. The derivaattoimetri is a running gag in the show, appearing in several episodes as Bender attempts to gauge the comedic merit of various statements and situations. Its exact mechanics are never explained, remaining a fantastical element within the show's science-fiction setting. The term itself is a portmanteau of "derivative" and "meter," directly referencing its supposed function.