TANSTAAFL
See also: tanstaafl
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Acronym, originating in the early 20th century, and popularized by Robert Heinlein's novel The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.
Phrase edit
TANSTAAFL
- Acronym of there ain't no such thing as a free lunch; something advertised as being "free" will invariably have hidden costs.
- 1966, Robert Heinlein, The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress:
- "Gospodin," he said presently, "you used an odd word earlier--odd to me, I mean..."
"Oh, 'tanstaafl.' Means 'There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.' And isn't," I added, pointing to a FREE LUNCH sign across room, "or these drinks would cost half as much. Was reminding her that anything free costs twice as much in long run or turns out worthless."
- 1985, Lance Parkin, The Infinity Doctors, page 229:
- 'Tanstaafl. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. We both know that I was brought here for a reason. If we could get down to business.'
Further reading edit
- there ain't no such thing as a free lunch on Wikipedia.Wikipedia