Cynical Software -

: A classic "cynical" pattern. If a remote service starts failing or slowing down, the circuit breaker trips, immediately failing subsequent requests to prevent the entire system from hanging while waiting for a response that isn't coming.

: Modern cynical engineering recognizes that large corporations are groups of people with conflicting incentives. Success comes from understanding what is likely to happen rather than what is supposed to happen. Cynical Design Patterns & Strategies cynical software

In the broader tech culture, "cynical technical practice" has become a point of academic and professional debate. Release It! : A classic "cynical" pattern