'contraption' originates from English, specifically a blend of 'contrivance' and 'trap,' where 'contrivance' meant 'a device or plan' and 'trap' meant 'a device for catching.'

'contrivance' and 'trap' blended into the word 'contraption' in the late 19th century, eventually becoming the modern English word 'contraption.'

Initially, it meant 'a device or plan,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a strange or unnecessarily complicated device.'