English

Noun

sacred cow ‎(plural sacred cows)

1. (idiomatic) Something which cannot be tampered with, or criticized, for fear of public outcry. A person, institution, belief system, etc. which, for no reason other than the demands of established social etiquette or popular opinion, should be accorded respect or reverence, and not touched, handled or examined too closely.
   • 1967, Paul Krassner, The Realist, issue 74, May 1967, front page tagline:

     Irreverence is our only sacred cow.

   • 1990, Reshad Feild, East west journal, Volume 20, p.94:

     Many people say that I am able to turn sacred cows into hamburgers.

Translations

See also

• holy cow
• totem