Boat anchor

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The Jargon File Parts of this article are based on the Jargon File, v. 4.4.7, a public domain document of hacker jargon.

boat anchor

Usage: n. Derivation: Common; from ham radio

boat anchor: n.

[common; from ham radio]

1. Like doorstop but more severe; implies that the offending hardware is irreversibly dead or useless. "That was a working motherboard once. One lightning strike later, instant boat anchor!"
2. A person who just takes up space.
3. Obsolete but still working hardware, especially when used of an old, bulky, quirky system; originally a term of annoyance, but became more and more affectionate as the hardware became more and more obsolete.

Auctioneers use this term for a large, undesirable object such as a washing machine; actual boating enthusiasts, however, use "mooring anchor" for frustrating (not actually useless) equipment.

Sources

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