tragedy of the commons

The idea that since no one owns a common are (e.g., a public park) that no one takes care of it

The rundown condition of the park was another example of the tragedy of the commons

by Robbo August 27, 2003

tragedy of the commons

The fact that unregulated resources that are held in common are exploited to the point where they lose their usefulness.

Commonly used to argue that having any resources (parks, etc.) held in common will always lead to their destruction. Especially by libertarians and people who want corporate welfare.

We could make this publically-owned pristine forest into a public park Governor, but that would only lead to the tragedy of the commons. Let's sell it to the logging intrests instead! Since they'll have ownership over the land, they'll have good reason to take care of it.

by Colonoscopy October 30, 2003

tragedy mining

When news outlets throw out every nugget of information they have, no matter how insignificant, during a national tragedy to garner traffic.

The news did a three page story on that spree killer’s green shirt. Straight up tragedy mining.

by R.Crab October 3, 2017

The Tragedy of the Commons

It some fancy term used by hyper-intelligent retards that talks about cows, cheese, enclosure, over grassing, and shit (Like tons of shit, like holy shit cows shit a lot). But the term is an allusion to the relation of the idea that an individual Nation-State will fuck over the world to achieve it's short-term desire like a teen girl who hasn't discovered the wonders of the pill, compared to the idea of Nation-States coming together to achieve long term goals together like some basic assholes that you'ed expect political ass-hats to do.

You know what else is like The Tragedy of the Commons, Deez Nuts!

by Emerson ain't got shit on me December 4, 2017

Chick-a-tragedy

The moment when you realize you can't satiate your desire for chick-fil-a because it's Sunday and they are closed.

Person 1: "I need some chicken minis and sweet tea in my belly asap."
Person 2: "Um.... It's Sunday."
Person 1: "Noooooo, it's a chick-a-tragedy for real!"

by WhatsNormal47 April 23, 2015

The Greatest Tragedy of March 13th

Once again, Michael was in AP Calculus BC. Michael had asked what infinity/infinity was. One could simply answer the question by saying the answer is undefined; however, that is not what occurred. What occurred was an epic battle of banter. Those around listened in silence and horror, pretending to not listen. The largest blow of this epic battle occurred when, Thall who shall not be named, called Michael a "Dirty Liar". That was the last straw in this encounter. Michael quickly responded with "You did not just call me that". They were in an absolute stalemate. The battle ended with positive email interaction. To this day, the two sides remain at peace.

Today is The Greatest Tragedy of March 13th. We all must mourn this great tragedy. Nothing compares to the horror that occurred on this day. Nothing even comes close. Some might bring up the events that occurred in the 1940s; however, they would be mistaken. One must always respect The Greatest Tragedy of March 13th.

by leahcimgnuoy March 22, 2023

surfin' tragedy

A notable piece of bad luck

So you blogged that bitch and she gave you the noise. Dude, that's a surfin' tragedy

by Major Hoople February 9, 2004