1. an unnecessary or wasteful project or activity 2a. a braided leather cord worn as a decoration especially by Boy Scouts b. a cord of braided leather, fabric, or plastic strips made by a child as a project to keep busy
From a book I'm reading now called The Number: "Nonetheless, I regarded these trips as delightful boondoggles, days of wine and risotto."
Whenever I hear that word, I automatically think of the United States Congress. I wonder why?
Ha! I think of the same thing. Rather sad, really.