The construction or creation of something from a diverse range of available things.

Origin: The word 'bricolage' comes from the French verb 'bricoler', which means 'to tinker'. The earliest known form of the word appears in the 16th century as 'bricole', referring to a catapult or a kind of game. The term evolved into 'bricolage', retaining the concept of creating something from miscellaneous parts.
Historical and Cultural Context: First used in the 1960s in English, bricolage was adopted in the context of art and literature to describe the process of creating work by sampling existing materials and ideas. Its roots in French culture highlight a tradition of resourcefulness and creativity.
Evolution: Over time, 'bricolage' has been used in various contexts, including anthropology, to describe the way people adapt materials and ideas for new purposes. Its cognates in other Romance languages, like Spanish 'bricolaje', suggest a shared cultural appreciation for crafting from available resources.
Modern Relevance: Today, bricolage is often associated with DIY culture and can refer to any improvised activity, especially in art and technology. It signifies innovation and adaptability, reflecting a modern ethos of making do with what one has.

Bricolage isn't just for art and crafts—it's a key concept in software development, where programmers often piece together different code libraries and frameworks to create new applications.