Explore the meaning, origins, and cultural implications of the phrase 'drug on the market,' denoting an overabundant commodity with little demand.
An expression denoting an overabundant commodity or service for which there is little or no demand. This phrase highlights a situation where supply exceeds demand, rendering the commodity or service undesirable or undervalued in the market.
The phrase “drug on the market” has historical roots that trace back to at least the 17th century. The English clergyman Thomas Fuller, in his work The History of the Worthies of England (1662), provides an early example: “He made such a vent for Welsh cottons, that what he found drugs at home, he left dainties beyond the sea.” The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) suggests that the term “drug” in this context may have a different meaning, although it does not offer a definitive explanation. An alternative theory posits that it may derive from the French word drogue, meaning “rubbish,” which aligns with the notion of an unwanted or surplus item.
The phrase carries connotations of economic imbalance, where the availability of a product or service surpasses consumer interest or need. It suggests a lack of market value and desirability, often leading to reduced prices or the necessity for disposal. The term can also imply obsolescence or redundancy in certain contexts.
In contemporary culture, “drug on the market” is employed to describe various economic scenarios, from unsold goods in retail to outdated technologies in the digital age. The phrase is often invoked in economic analyses and discussions to illustrate the challenges of oversupply.
In professional settings, the phrase might describe a financial situation requiring strategic adjustments, such as reducing production or innovating product features. Socially, it may be used metaphorically to describe relationships or trends that have lost their appeal.
The phrase remains relevant in discussions of market dynamics and economic theory, particularly in illustrating the consequences of supply-demand imbalances. Its durability is rated as ★★★☆☆, reflecting its continued utility in economic discourse, albeit with less frequency in everyday language.
“He made such a vent for Welsh cottons, that what he found drugs at home, he left dainties beyond the sea.” - Thomas Fuller, The History of the Worthies of England (1662)