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
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by hamezz February 14, 2012
Get the Tragically White mug.The term began in France. The White Party™ formula has its roots in Saint Tropez France, where it all started over 50 years ago, then it crossed the ocean back in 1984. In USA it was founded to raise money for a good cause and has been one of the most successfull benefit / fundraising events ever.
It’s also associated with the Miami Beach White Party that was a very successful fund raiser that addressed the AIDS/HIV epidemic that decimated a huge population of the gay community during the 1980’s.
It’s also associated with the Miami Beach White Party that was a very successful fund raiser that addressed the AIDS/HIV epidemic that decimated a huge population of the gay community during the 1980’s.
by SoCalChlln January 31, 2022
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Great White Hope GreatWhiteHope
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Get the I FULL OF YOLK I FULL OF WHITES mug.Damn! Look at that guy Jonathon, hes been in and out of the tanner everyday; hes starting to look like a white-brownie!
by Jerica Lederheard February 23, 2009
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