I Do it for Peanuts

Cartoon-style illustration of blue elephant with small flower in its mouth.  Blue text on a white background.

Although elephants are often stereotyped as loving peanuts, they do not eat them in the wild. Elephants are herbivores, and peanuts are too high in protein for their normal diet. This misconception most likely began in circuses and zoos during the 19th century. Many of these attractions allowed visitors to feed the animals, and bags of peanuts were the most convenient option. 

To work or to do something "for peanuts" means to receive little or no pay. This expression also dates back to the 19th century, attributed to Mr. Harry Mozley Stevens. Considered the father of sports food service, Mr. Stevens started off his career selling peanuts during games. He would often joke that he was “working for peanuts.”