A pet project
Meaning
A special project or task that someone undertakes out of personal interest or passion, often in addition to their regular duties.
Origin
The charming phrase 'a pet project' hinges on the word 'pet' in its lesser-known adjectival sense, rather than its more common noun form for a beloved animal. By the 19th century, 'pet' had evolved to mean 'cherished,' 'favored,' or 'indulged,' an affection originally reserved for small, tame animals that were kept for pleasure. This semantic shift allowed 'pet' to describe anything one held in high regard or devoted special attention to. Thus, a 'pet project' became a task or undertaking that someone treated with the same fondness and personal investment they might give to a beloved companion, setting it apart from more mundane or obligatory work.
Examples
- Even though it wasn't part of her official job description, developing the new community garden became her pet project.
- The CEO poured a significant amount of his personal time and resources into what he called his pet project: a new initiative for sustainable energy solutions.