lame duck
/ˈleɪm ˌdʌk/
noun
Origin
English
lame + duck — injured bird
Overview
Meaning Now
- An elected official or politician who continues to hold office during the period between the election and the inauguration of their successor, often having diminished power.
- A person or business that is weak, unsuccessful, or in need of assistance to survive.
Literal older meaning
A bird (duck) that has an injured leg and is unable to walk or swim normally.
Language path
Old English → Middle English → English
Earliest form
lame duck
Earliest period
18th century
Journey
The term originated in the 1700s London Stock Exchange to refer to members who defaulted on their financial obligations. By the mid-19th century, it was adopted by American political discourse to describe politicians who were defeated in an election but remained in office until the formal transition of power, effectively rendering them 'lame' or lacking political leverage.
Evolution
- 18th century
lame duck
“A defaulter on the London Stock Exchange”
Used to describe a broker who could not pay their debts.
- 19th century
lame duck
“A politician nearing the end of their term”
Shifted to American political jargon to describe officials with little influence.
Connections
Word parts
lame
root
disabled in the leg or foot
duck
root
a waterbird
Explore next
Related to lame duck
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.