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System D [in French, Système D] is a shorthand term that refers back to the French word débrouillard^[1]. The verb se débrouiller means "to untangle." The basic theory of System D is that it is a manner of responding to challenges that requires one to have the ability to think fast, to adapt, and to improvise when getting the job done. It has the connotation of getting around the system, managing to accomplish, or breaking the rules.

In a more vulgar but quite common definition, the "D" in system D represents démerder, which means "to get out of shit."

The term gained popularity after appearing in the 2006 publication of Anthony Bourdain's The Nasty Bits. Bourdain's sous-chef likens the use of System D to being a modern-day MacGyver ... getting the job done with a mix of whatever resources are available and a great deal of personal innovation.

In The Nasty Bits, Bourdain references first coming upon the term while reading Nicolas Freeling's memoir, The Kitchen, written about Freeling's years as a Grand Hotel cook in France.

Footnotes

^ (one who is) skilled or resourceful at handling any difficulty

References

débrouillard (2009). Webster's New World College Dictionary. Retrieved May 24th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/d-ebrouillard
Bourdain, Anthony (2006). The Nasty Bits. New York: Bloomsbury.
Nicolas Freeling (1970). The Kitchen. Hamish Hamilton, Ltd.

[1] (one who is) skilled or resourceful at handling any difficulty

[1]

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-'''System D''' is a shorthand term that refers back to the French word débrouillard<ref>(one who is) skilled or resourceful at handling any difficulty</ref>. The basic theory of '''System D''' is that it is a manner of responding to challenges that requires one to have the ability to think fast, to adapt, and to improvise when getting the job done.
+'''System D''' [in French, ''Système D''] is a shorthand term that refers back to the French word débrouillard<ref>(one who is) skilled or resourceful at handling any difficulty</ref>. The verb ''se débrouiller'' means "to untangle." The basic theory of '''System D''' is that it is a manner of responding to challenges that requires one to have the ability to think fast, to adapt, and to improvise when getting the job done. It has the connotation of getting around the system, managing to accomplish, or breaking the rules.
+In a more vulgar but quite common definition, the "D" in system D represents ''démerder'', which means "to get out of shit."
 The term gained popularity after appearing in the 2006 publication of [[Anthony Bourdain]]'s ''[[The Nasty Bits]]''. Bourdain's sous-chef likens the use of '''System D''' to being a modern-day [[MacGyver]] ... getting the job done with a mix of whatever resources are available and a great deal of personal innovation.