Etymology

Coined by Robert H. Link, American scout, 1929; alternatively “boon doggle”. Compare of similar sense, attested in same period.

In sense of “wasteful government program”, popularized in 1935 by The New York Times, in reference to New Deal programs which were claimed to feature people making such braids.

Noun

1. A braided ring to hold a neckerchief, particularly in scouting; a woggle.
2. a waste of time and/or money; a pointless activity

   Opponents consider this another billion-dollar government boondoggle.