Once reserved for computer programmer tricks and shortcuts, "Life Hack" has become a great way to describe the clever/brilliant/ridiculous solutions to everyday dilemmas we see posted online. It's hard to describe what a life hack really looks like, but let's just say you know it when you see it.

Take these 17 pictures below, for example. Haven't you ever struggled to fill a large bucket with water when only a small sink is available? Boom, dust pan solves the problem. Or have you ever wondered how to cool your beer when the refrigerator's on the fritz? Boom, air conditioner to the rescue.

We're not saying all these would-be inventors are bound for "As Seen On TV" deals, but a few of these solutions are pretty brilliant.

As for the rest, we'll let you decide if these "hacks" are truly innovative or just accidents waiting to happen.

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  • Janitorial Ingenuity

    Fills in just 45 minutes! (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/k51i6/this_changes_everything/" target="_hplink">via Reddit</a>)

  • The Mac-rowave

    Come on, this is the oldest trick in the book! (<a href="http://failblog.org/2011/08/15/epic-fail-photos-there-i-fixed-it-the-words-most-expensive-microwave/" target="_hplink">via There I Fixed It)</a>

  • No More Runaway Beers

    It's amazing what a little piece of plastic can do! (Via <a href="http://www.wonderhowto.com/news/wonderment/shortcut-quick-easy-beer-storage-hack-0122066/" target="_hplink">Wonder How To</a>)

  • Alternative A/C

    Roll the windows up! (<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/craigm6/only-in-arkansas-2ikv" target="_hplink">via Buzzfeed</a>)

  • Hot Sauce Squirter

    No more asking to "pass the sauce" (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/k0oh9/cant_believe_this_works/" target="_hplink">via Reddit</a>)

  • We'll Take The Basic Model

    Here's hoping she doesn't kick the back of your seat... (<a href="http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2011/09/01/white-trash-repairs-frustration-drives-innovation/" target="_hplink">via There I Fixed It</a>)

  • Plastic Storage Bin-Lovers Rejoice!

    Few of the advantages of conventional shopping carts with ten times the hassle! (<a href="http://fixedgeargallery.com/contest/grocerygetter/DavidMahan.htm" target="_hplink">via Fixed Gear Gallery</a>)

  • It Takes An Army

    For those who can't afford the five-lane mower (<a href="http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2011/08/22/white-trash-repairs-lawnmowers-on-parade/" target="_hplink">via There I Fixed It</a>)

  • Cold Brew On A Budget

    Get in line! (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/jb30w/necessity_is_the_mother_of_invention/" target="_hplink">via Reddit</a>)

  • Ground Control To Carpool Lane Surveillance ...

    A suave way to cheat the carpool lane (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/jryks/ground_control_to_major_tom_or_how_to_cheat_the/" target="_hplink">via Reddit</a>)

  • Fight For The Right

    Insurance covers it if you can prove you're in a frat (<a href="http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2010/07/19/white-trash-repairs-deemed-pretty-useless/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThereIFixedIt+%28There%2C+I+Fixed+It.%29" target="_hplink">via There I Fixed It</a>)

  • No Car Jack Needed

    Do your repairs before it bursts! (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/hmouz/looks_so_goddamn_much_easier_than_using_a/" target="_hplink">via Reddit</a>)

  • Solar Vehicle.0

    And it's still prettier than a Prius (<a href="http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2011/08/09/white-trash-repairs-al-gores-daily-driver/" target="_hplink">via There I Fixed It</a>)

  • Stationary Type

    Because buff legs totally outweigh the carpel-tunnel you'll develop with this invention (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/e2ti4/best_invention_ever/" target="_hplink">via Reddit</a>)

  • Patent Pending

    Finally, a proven way of getting hammocks not to flip (<a href="http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2011/09/01/white-trash-repairs-in-the-post-irene-world/" target="_hplink">via There I Fixed It</a>)

  • It Takes Two

    In heavy rain, switch your pulling-hand often so you don't get tired (<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/gj8dr/necessity_breeds_invention/" target="_hplink">via Reddit</a>)

  • Sink Simplicity

    Passive-aggressive way of preventing roommates from leaving dishes in the sink (<a href="http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2011/08/18/white-trash-repairs-sink-fail/" target="_hplink">via There I Fixed It</a>)