horse armor
A piece of downloadable content or microtransaction for a video game, especially one purely cosmetic and considered being of bad value.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I regret buying that useless horse armor for my game character.”
“He avoids games that charge money for basic horse armor.”
“The developers faced criticism for selling expensive horse armor that added nothing to the gameplay.”
“I refuse to spend five dollars on horse armor just to change the color of my virtual sword when it does not improve my stats.”
“Many players viewed the new digital cosmetic pack as nothing more than overpriced horse armor, highlighting the industry's shift toward predatory microtransactions.”
first recorded 21st c.
The term originates from the 2006 release of the video game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion by Bethesda Game Studios. It refers to a specific piece of downloadable content offered for purchase which provided decorative protection for the player's mount. The transaction became a point of public notice for the perceived disproportion between its cost and its utility, establishing the phrase as a shorthand for trivial digital purchases.
- 01
beat a dead horse
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
- 02
change horses in midstream
To change one's plan or approach when an effort is already underway or at another inopportune time.
- 03
charley horse
A muscle cramp, usually a strong one, in the thigh, leg, arm, or core.
- 04
chink in the armor
A weakness; a weak point (particularly of something formerly considered near-invincible or perfect).
- 05
close the stable door after the horse has bolted
To attempt to prevent a problem that has already occurred; to design and implement a preventive mechanism that is too late (after the first failure instead of before).
- 06
dark horse
Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.
- 07
drive a coach and horses through
To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).
- 08
enough to choke a horse
An excessive quantity.
Last updated August 10, 2026