> So in 2008, the wise and good-humored manager (who retired in 2014), did what no other airport manager in the world thought to do: he invented a word and a concept, "recombobulation."<p>Except that Piers Anthony used it in a book in 1983.<p><a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Citations:recombobulate" rel="nofollow">https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Citations:recombobulate</a>
I knew exactly what this meant before reading the article.<p>I had to pass through a similar screening at the courthouse every morning while I was on a jury. (Unlike airports you don't need to remove your shoes.)<p>Pro-tip: If you wear a belt, get one with a plastic buckle.
I'm so happy this is actually a thing that lots of people like and locals take pride in. It was such a delightful surprise to see it after coming through security on my way back from a stressful business trip to Kenosha, my first time in the state. I took note of it, sent a photograph of the sign to my wife and various friends who enjoy little bits of clever language, and took off for home with a really warm impression of Wisconsin.