Dog and pony show

Posted by Frankie on March 27, 2000

In Reply to: Dog and pony show posted by Bruce Kahl on March 27, 2000

: : I've never heard this phrase in the UK. What does it mean?

: It means to put on a presentation, usually done by a corporation to bring attention to itself or one of it's products.
: I dont know the derivation of the phrase but I would guess it is from a circus. Here in the US in a three ring circus there is always the act that has the ponies parading in a circle going clockwise while there are little dogs jumping from horse to horse in a counter clockwise motion. Just a guess!

: I've grown up with this expression. It can refer to any type of presentation or act but sometimes has a derogatory implication to mean that the presentation had no substance just a shallow and cheap entertainment or cheap thrill.

• Dog and pony show ESC 03/28/00
  • Dog and pony show Bob 03/28/00