makkelijks

Makkelijks is a Dutch neologism used primarily in informal online language to describe a preference for easy or effortless solutions in tasks, products, or processes. The term is often employed in ironic or critical contexts to highlight shortcuts that forego thoroughness, quality, or nuance.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from makkelijk, meaning easy, with the suffix -s to create a nominal or collective sense. It is not an established standard form in formal Dutch, and its exact grammatical use can vary in casual speech or writing. In many contexts it functions as a descriptor for approaches, options, or attitudes rather than a fixed noun with a single definition.

Usage and meaning: makkelijks appears in discussions about education, technology, work practices, and consumer culture. It is used to label methods or solutions that are marketed or chosen because they are the easiest, fastest, or least demanding, even if they sacrifice depth, reliability, or long-term outcomes. The tone is often critical or skeptical, but in some cases it may be used descriptively to note a trend toward simplicity.

Attestation and status: the term is primarily found in online forums, social media, and casual writing. It is not widely documented in formal dictionaries, and its use is regional and evolving. As a slang or meme-like term, its meaning can shift with context and audience.

See also: makkelijk, gemak, neologisms in Dutch, Dutch slang.