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Dictionary definition of “turkey”

turkey

n. a pet project funded via pork barrel politics. Subjects: English, United States, Florida, Politics

Editorial Note: This appears to be specific to Florida.

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Citations: [1982 Denise Gamino Daily Oklahoman (Nov. 23) “Skiatook Project Labeled One of 12 Turkeys of the Year”: The country’s major environmental groups Monday declared open season on a $112 million Oklahoma water project they say is one of 12 “Turkeys of the Year” that should be bagged by Congress.] 1998 Florida Times-Union (May 1) “Pork and turkey” p. A12: The Legislature marred an otherwise good session by producing a record number of “turkeys,” which are a Florida term for projects that have been inserted by legislative prerogative. In many cases, they involve spending state dollars for projects local governments should fund…Another type of turkey is one that was not recommended by a state agency through the normal process. 2004 Linda Kleindienst, Mark Hollis Sun-Sentinel (Florida) (May 1) “Late-night flurry of bills breaks Florida House logjam”: While generally pleased with the budget, Bush acknowledged that it does contain several special projects known in legislative parlance as “turkeys.”

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