Idioms Unpacked: "Dog and Pony Show"

Have you heard this expression before? Did you know that a "dog and pony show" usually has nothing to do with dogs or ponies (or even horses) at all? What does it mean when someone mentions a "dog and pony show"?

What is the meaning of the popular phrase, "dog and pony show"?

A "dog and pony show," in contemporary language usage, usually refers to a complex promotional presentation, which may or may not be backed up by sufficient facts or foundation. Often, the "dog and pony show" expression is intended to convey a certain amount of scorn or disapproval, meaning that the event to which it refers probably includes more glitz than glory and more style than substance.

In business and politics, dog and pony show programs often include extensive (and expensive) audio-visual components (such as videos or slide shows) with great graphics and energetic music, but perhaps little real content. Usually, dog and pony shows are designed to impress audiences and spur them to accept whatever is being offered (from company stocks to campaign promises).

Financial marketplace denizens call many corporate Wall Street presentations "dog and pony shows." Ornate events preceding corporate stock offerings, in which top executives flash figures and strut their stuff for stock market analysts, are prime instances of dog and pony shows. These dog and pony shows involve costs and equities, rather than canines and equines.

In such cases, of course, the ponies often wear pinstripes and wingtips (or pumps) - as do the ringleaders. And their staffers may twirl and jump through hoops, just like trained circus dogs.

Examples of dog and pony shows might include elaborate advertising displays, fancy financial presentations or celebrity-filled campaign rallies that seem to make a circus out of a circumstance.

What is the origin of the popular phrase, "dog and pony show "?

During the first half of the twentieth century, circus promoters traveled to produce shows on the road, which usually included animal tricks. Some of the most popular performers (along with the acrobats) were the trained dogs and ponies. In many cases, the dogs were trained to ride and dance atop the ponies' backs.

Occasionally, children attending such performances were invited to visit the animal tents after these events to pet the dogs and ponies. Some traveling dog and pony show troupes even offered pony rides to young customers.

In time, some of the most popular dog and pony shows became full-fledged traveling circuses.

The phrase, "dog and pony show" may have another meaningful origin as well. In the field of horse racing, a horse that is sluggish, unmanageable or lame may be called a dog. In this context, a dog and pony show may be any sort of unsatisfying entertainment.

Sources:

http://dictionary.reference.com

http://english-idioms.net

http://esl-bits.net/idioms/id168.htm

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com

http://www.idiomsite.com

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings

http://www.quotations.me.uk/famous-idioms

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms

http://www.wisegeek.com

http://www.yourdictionary.com/idioms