Dictionary

TANSTAAFL en · X

Etymology

Acronym, originating in the early 20th century, and popularized by Robert Heinlein's novel The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.

Meanings

1. (abbreviation, acronym, alt-of) Acronym of there ain't no such thing as a free lunch: something advertised as being "free" will invariably have hidden costs.
   alt of there ain't no such thing as a free lunch
   • The TANSTAAFL principle applies to all techniques of statecraft, not just the economic ones. 1985, David Allen Baldwin, “National Power and Economic Statecraft”, in Economic Statecraft, →ISBN, page 140:
   • '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.' 1985, Lance Parkin, The Infinity Doctors, page 229:
   • "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." 1966, Robert Heinlein, The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress:
   • The TANSTAAFL principle will come into play with each implementation of a calibration setting. There are no effects without side-effects. An improvement at one location will change others. 2015, Bob McCarthy, “Calibration”, in Sound System Design and Optimization, →ISBN, page 433:

Forms

wikipedia: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress · wikipedia: Robert A. Heinlein