A derogatory term referring to appropriation of government spending for localised projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative's district. Often this money is for absurd projects such as $107,000 to study the sex life of the Japanese quail; for private concerns such as $13 million for a private pleasure boat harbour in Cleveland; or money allocated to a powerful politician for a special project in his district, that will help him get re-elected. An example would be the Big Dig in Boston, a highway project which cost taxpayers about $22 billion. Another type of pork barrel spending is the Earmark, which is generally offered to politicians to get their votes on a specific bill they would not otherwise support.

Pork barrel spending is often referred to as a "back room deal" during which taxpayer money is allocated without benefit of a public hearing or review.