contraptions

A contraption is something made from different parts, often not very beautiful or usual, but still somehow working.

You might hear people use "contraption" when they're talking about a weird machine or gadget that's been cobbled together. For example, your neighbor might have rigged up some sort of device to help with gardening, and someone else might say, "What kind of contraption is that?" The speaker might be impressed by the creativity, but also maybe a little puzzled by how it works.