"Patchwork plagiarism" refers to a type of plagiarism where a writer takes phrases, sentences, or ideas from multiple sources and combines them together to create a new text. Instead of directly copying lengthy sections or paraphrasing a single source, the individual "patches" together snippets from various works, often failing to properly cite the original sources. This can create a new text that might seem original at first glance but is actually built from the existing work of others.
This form of plagiarism is particularly deceptive because it can appear as if the writer has crafted an original piece, when in fact they have merely reassembled existing content without appropriate attribution. It can occur in various contexts, such as academic writing, journalism, or content creation, and is considered unethical in any setting due to the lack of originality and respect for intellectual property. Proper citation and paraphrasing are essential practices to avoid any form of plagiarism, including patchwork plagiarism.