Used to describe someone who thinks they've done a great deed, charitable action or sacrifice, but in reality they've done very little to help the human condition.
Earl: I gave that homeless man my half eaten apple.
Roger: Wow, thats mighty white of you.
Originally used under colonialism and before civil rights, this phrase expressed appreciation for honorable or gracious behavior, under the assumption that white people were inherently more virtuous. Today, it is generally used sarcastically in reference to underwhelming acts of generosity.
In Jamaica in 1765:
A: I built the slaves a church to hang out in on Sundays, even though I didn't have to.
B: Well, that's mighty white of you.
In Harlem in 2010:
A: I'm feeling so generous, I'm gonna eat my food right next to you so you can enjoy the smell.
B: Well God damn, that's mighty white of you - How could I ever repay you for such a selfless act?
Foolish phrase used by some to show so-called white superiority. Phrase attributed to the south, and coined during days of slavery. Now sometimes said in a sarcastic manner to people who act as they are superior because of their race.
When Bob threw a nickle into the UNICEF can at the office, and said "Those people should be glad I felt so generous." I said to him "That's mighty white of you ass."
British slang for a scientist or technical expert, esp . when the speaker is not certain of the expert’s specific field of study. Not necessarily derogatory, but typically used by persons without a technical background. In the US, the equivalent would be “egghead”, “squint”, or “geek.”
Origin of the word is unknown. Started sometime in World War 2. Given the typical evolution of British slang, could easily have started because what these experts did was confusing or “baffling” to the common person.
According to the boffins downstairs, the murdererused a serrated blade.
When you have to pee in a movie but don’t want to miss anything, and must do the following mental equation: will the amount I have to pee cause enough discomfort to diminish my attention capacity for the remainder of the movie to an extent which is greater than the amount of the movie I would miss by making a mad dash to the restroom.
I saw Satantango last night, wonderful film but by the 5th hour I had to start doing peecalculus.