A confusing and difficult problem or question; a puzzle that seems to have no satisfactory solution.
Origin uncertain, first appearing in English around 1590, possibly as academic slang at Oxford University. It may be a mock-Latin formation meant to sound learned and mysterious, fitting for a word that describes puzzling situations.
The word itself is a conundrum—nobody knows where it came from! Think 'con-UN-drum'—it's like being 'conned' by a puzzle that leaves you feeling 'undone' because you can't solve it.
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