Q&A

Where did the word boondoggle originate from?

Where did the word boondoggle originate from?

In the 1920s, Robert Link, a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, apparently coined the word to name the braided leather cords made and worn by scouts. The word came to prominence when such a boondoggle was presented to the Prince of Wales at the 1929 World Jamboree, and it’s been with us ever since.

What does boondoggle mean in America?

extravagant and useless project
“The Oxford Dictionary of American Political Slang” defines a “boondoggle” as “an extravagant and useless project,” but behind the funny-sounding name is actual history.

Who invented boondoggle?

Scoutmaster Robert Link
Story has it New York Scoutmaster Robert Link invented the word “boondoggle” in 1929 and applied it to the leather lanyards Boy Scouts braided as a craft item.

What is another name for boondoggle?

What is another word for boondoggle?

deception deceit
duplicity fraud
cunning deceitfulness
dissimulation guile
trickery cheating

What does the word Fudgel mean?

Fudgel. Definition please: To “fudgel” means pretending to work without actually accomplishing anything. Can you use it in a sentence? “Gilbert spent Friday afternoon fudgeling at his desk, while counting down the hours until the weekend.”

What is the opposite of a boondoggle?

Noun. ▲ Opposite of an instance of deceiving or tricking someone. honesty. truthfulness.

Why is it called gimp?

The noun gimp is sometimes used to describe a limp or another physical disability, although it’s an outdated and offensive word to use. Gimp was first used in the 1920’s, possibly as a combination of limp and gammy, an old slang word for “bad.”

What does the name boondoggle mean?

boondoggle (Noun) A braided ring to hold a neckerchief, particularly in scouting; a woggle. boondoggle (Noun) A waste of time and/or money; a pointless activity. Opponents consider this another billion-dollar government boondoggle. boondoggle (Verb) To waste time on a pointless activity.

What does boondoggle mean?

Definition of boondoggle. 1 : a braided cord worn by Boy Scouts as a neckerchief slide (see slide entry 2 sense 4b), hatband, or ornament. 2 : a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft The project is a complete boondoggle—over budget, behind schedule, and unnecessary.

What is the definition of Boondoggle?

Definition of boondoggle 1 : a braided cord worn by Boy Scouts as a neckerchief slide (see slide entry 2 sense 4b), hatband, or ornament 2 : a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft The project is a complete boondoggle—over budget, behind schedule, and unnecessary.