Schrankschandeとは 意味・読み方・使い方

語源

Compound of German Schrank (“cabinet”) and Schande (“disgrace”).

発音

• IPA^(key): /ʃʁaŋkʃandə/

名詞

Schrankschande (複数形 Schrankschanden)

1. (colloquial) An item of possession that embarrasses the owner and cannot be easily discarded. Schrankschanden are often of inferior quality.

   My father gave us a vase. We keep it only on display when he visits. It is a true Schrankschande.

   His misplaced comment was soon quoted world-wide, making it a Schrankschande in his diplomatic CV.

   Business is about success and failure: Many companies carry Schrankschanden in their company record, such as Ford's Edsel.

使用する際の注意点

In comparison with white elephant, a Schrankschande is often of inferior quality and cheap, whereas a white elephant is a precious object and costly to maintain. A Schrankschande is embarrassing whereas a white elephant is both unwanted and prestigious at the same time.