Top definition
Term referring to something not particularly useful that has very high cost of upkeep.
Famous white elephants include Olympic Stadium in Montreal, the former Millennium Dome in London and the Concorde jet.
by beau99 April 26, 2010
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May 21 Word of the Day
n. The birth name of somebody who has changed their name. Most commonly attributed to trans people, but can be attributed to any person who has changed their name. (sometimes written as two words: dead name)

v. 1. To call somebody by their deadname.
v. 2. To out somebody's deadname to the public.
Don't call her by her deadname. She hasn't gone by that name in years.
by Canola Yogurt September 16, 2014
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2
an unwanted gift that one has no use for
I have no need for this white elephant. Do you know anywhere I can sell it?
by Light Joker January 17, 2006
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3
A party where people (usually family, friends, or a combo of the two) get together and have a game where you unwrap, steal, and trade off presents never actually useful in real life. I mean, my family W.E. party got me a laser tape measure!
"What's up! How did the White Elephant party go?"
"I got a laser thingy!"
"Ooh! That sucks."
"Are you kidding?! That thing is awesome! You push the button and a little red dot comes out!"
"..."
by Drumline December 25, 2005
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4
1)A gag gift, usually an unwanted gift that is rewrapped and redistributed. 2)Bundy Gift.
I got this Joey Fatone Bobblehead doll from that turkey across the street. What could I do with it? I know, It can be the White Elephant at the Christmas party this year!
by Bedford Hopeful November 08, 2004
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5
A valuable item or act that requires expencive upkeep. Often the upkeep is not worth it.
by Halfofone June 28, 2005
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6
a project/venture/possession whose cost of maintenance is way higher than its rating of usefulness.
the freedom tower in NY is currently a major example of a white elephant, they could have just built the WTC Twin Towers II instead.
by jackass25 June 12, 2010
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