dongler

The term "dongler" is an informal and often humorous slang term used to describe a device or adapter that allows one electronic component to connect to another when they have incompatible ports or connectors. These are typically small, cylindrical or cuboid objects that facilitate a physical or electronic bridge between differing interfaces. For example, a dongler might be used to connect a USB-C device to a legacy USB-A port, or to adapt a proprietary charging cable to a more common standard. The name itself is a portmanteau of "dongle," a small piece of hardware that plugs into a computer, and a suffix suggesting an adapter or converter.

Donglers are common in the rapidly evolving world of consumer electronics, where new standards emerge and older ones persist. They serve a practical purpose by extending the usability of existing devices and allowing for interoperability between different product generations or manufacturers. While some users find them a necessary convenience, others may view them as an indicator of fragmentation in the tech industry, requiring the purchase of additional accessories to achieve basic functionality. The prevalence of donglers can vary depending on the specific types of devices and their respective connector standards.