boondoggle

noun boon·dog·gle \ˈbün-ˌdä-gəl, -ˌdȯ-\

: an expensive and wasteful project usually paid for with public money

Full Definition of BOONDOGGLE

: a braided cord worn by Boy Scouts as a neckerchief slide, hatband, or ornament

: a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft

— boondoggle intransitive verb

— boon·dog·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

See boondoggle defined for English-language learners

coined by Robert H. Link †1957 American scoutmaster

First Known Use: 1929

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