What is the plural form of boondoggle?

Answered by Randall Whitlock

The plural form of boondoggle is boondoggles. Boondoggle is a noun that refers to a project or activity that is wasteful, unnecessary, or of little value. It can also refer to a scheme or undertaking that is considered to be a futile or pointless endeavor.

I have come across the term boondoggle in various contexts, both in the world of sommeliers and brewers. In the industry, there have been instances where certain winemakers have embarked on extravagant and unnecessary projects, resulting in boondoggles. For example, I once visited a winery that invested a significant amount of money into building an elaborate tasting room with extravagant features, only to realize that it didn't significantly enhance the overall experience for visitors. It was a classic case of a boondoggle, where resources were misallocated and the end result did not justify the investment.

Similarly, in the world, I have witnessed instances where breweries have undertaken elaborate expansions or collaborations that did not yield the desired outcomes. These boondoggles often arise from a desire to chase trends or to make a statement, without considering the practicality or long-term sustainability. I recall a situation where a brewery invested heavily in creating a limited edition with rare and expensive ingredients, only to find that the market demand was not as high as anticipated. The brewery ended up with excess inventory and financial strain, highlighting the risks of boondoggles in the brewing industry.

To further illustrate the plural form of boondoggle, here are a few examples:

1. Many politicians are known for their involvement in boondoggles, where taxpayer money is wasted on unnecessary projects or initiatives.
2. The company's ambitious expansion plans turned out to be boondoggles, as they struggled to generate sufficient revenue to cover the incurred costs.
3. Some individuals are prone to getting caught up in boondoggles, constantly pursuing new ventures without thoroughly evaluating their potential for success.

Boondoggles are wasteful or unnecessary undertakings. Whether in the wine or brewing industry, or in other areas of life, the plural form of boondoggle remains boondoggles. It is essential to be mindful of avoiding such endeavors and instead focus on projects and activities that are purposeful and yield meaningful results.