This common slang term for a useless gift or person is also a slur for conservative GOP Republicans, especially rich, "white," elderly members of the party.
It is a play on the common usage of the term (implying such individuals are useless or even a burden) and upon the wrinkled appearance of the animals.
The phrase originally comes from the actual white elephants of India which were considered sacred property of the king, above doing work, and were given as supposed rewards to loyal subjects, but due to the expensive nature of keeping an elephant and the fact that they were forbidden from making the beast labor the gift could actually end up ruining the recipient, and was sometimes intended to. Politics can be brutal!
It is a play on the common usage of the term (implying such individuals are useless or even a burden) and upon the wrinkled appearance of the animals.
The phrase originally comes from the actual white elephants of India which were considered sacred property of the king, above doing work, and were given as supposed rewards to loyal subjects, but due to the expensive nature of keeping an elephant and the fact that they were forbidden from making the beast labor the gift could actually end up ruining the recipient, and was sometimes intended to. Politics can be brutal!
I had no idea grandpa was a White Elephant until I heard him talking about wanting to build a wall on the Mexican border!
by Madam Myriad September 20, 2016
Get the white elephantmug. To inflict a beating on someone that leaves a scar. A pain that they won't forget in a hurry. As in Elephants never forget
by The Tw1ns March 16, 2016
Get the elephant painmug. When a friend's parent buys you a thoughtful gift that you weren't expecting, such as a scented candle or a deck of playing cards.
"Damn Jimmy, I can't believe your mom dropped such a greasy elephant on me last night! My room is going to smell so nice once I light it!"
"Oh Mr. Johnson... Please put that greasy elephant away... It's too much... and your wife is coming home soon. Thank you for this deck of playing cards!"
"Oh Mr. Johnson... Please put that greasy elephant away... It's too much... and your wife is coming home soon. Thank you for this deck of playing cards!"
by SaintBoy June 11, 2018
Get the Greasy Elephantmug. To spread the truth, that Julian Alaphilippe was pushed by someone working for his team just below the summit of the Galibier in the Tour de France of 2019.
The most beautiful #TDF19 in years and some journalist are looking to find a fly on a elephant. Go home negative people.
by Wwwalter July 25, 2019
Get the Find a fly on a elephantmug. when your boss think she is the best their is but is actually not.
its when you boast about them in front of them in a way that is too much
its when you boast about them in front of them in a way that is too much
miss nancy is the best HR directoe, she is caring, loving, understanding, hardworking, honest, a loving caring mother and an amazing wife.
miss nancy is none of the above, this is totyir fyoule (flying elephant)
miss nancy is none of the above, this is totyir fyoule (flying elephant)
by pseudo_arab June 30, 2021
Get the totyir fyoule (flying elephant)mug. by QUANDALE DINGEL696969420 November 30, 2023
Get the Strawberry elephantmug. by LINKKKKK January 14, 2018
Get the Elephant Bullish Trendmug.