Goose Decoys

Q&A: Where did the term “lame duck” originate and what does it mean in reference to politics?

by San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives

Question by Chi Guy: Where did the term “lame duck” originate and what does it mean in reference to politics?

Best answer:

Answer by Cantankerous
It’s from hunting it means that the duck has a broken wing and is easy prey. In politics its the time between election day (where you lost) and the end of the year (when the new person takes over). It means that the person in office will not be there next year so they have diminished power and influence.

What do you think? Answer below!

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1. 

   R T
   July 23rd, 2011 at 04:46 | #1

   Reply | Quote

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lame_duck_(politics)
2. 

   Your Inner Child
   July 23rd, 2011 at 05:24 | #2

   Reply | Quote

   “The phrase lame duck was coined in the 18th century at the London Stock Exchange, to refer to a broker who defaulted on his debts.”
3. 

   anotherone773
   July 23rd, 2011 at 05:47 | #3

   Reply | Quote

   “The expression “lame duck” was originally applied in 18th century Britain to bankrupt businessmen, who were considered as “lame” in the sense that the impairment of their powers rendered them vulnerable, like a game bird injured by shot. By the 1830s, the usage had been extended to officeholders whose service already had a known termination date. In current American usage, for instance, a President is considered a “lame duck” not only if he has been defeated for re-election, or after his successor has been elected, but also whenever he cannot be, or is known not to be, a candidate for reelection.”

   “A “lame duck” session of Congress in the United States occurs whenever one Congress meets after its successor is elected, but before the successor’s term begins. The expression is now used not only for a special session called after a sine die adjournment, but also for any portion of a regular session that falls after an election. In current practice, any meeting of Congress after election day, but before the following January 3, is a lame duck session.[1] Prior to 1933, when the 20th Amendment changed the dates of the congressional term, the last regular session of Congress was always a lame duck session.”