White Elephant - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A 'white elephant' is a possession that is burdensome and costly to maintain, far outweighing its usefulness or value. Originally, it alluded to rare albino elephants, once considered sacred in some Asian cultures. Giving one as a gift was a dubious honor, as the recipient had to care for it without being able to put it to work. Now, the term describes anything from a money-pit project to an unwanted gift. Think of it like that ugly sweater your grandma gives you every year – a 'white elephant' gift.

Etymology

The term's etymology traces back to Siam (modern-day Thailand), where white elephants were considered sacred and belonged to the king. These elephants were expensive to keep, and the king would sometimes gift them to courtiers he wanted to ruin. The recipient would be obligated to care for the elephant, often leading to financial strain. The phrase entered English usage in the 19th century, retaining its connotation of an unwanted and costly possession. So, when you call something a 'white elephant,' you're invoking a bit of Thai history!

Related Words

Examples

• "The new stadium turned out to be a white elephant, costing taxpayers millions."
• "That old car is a white elephant; it's constantly breaking down."
• "The company's failed project became a white elephant."
• "We ended up with a white elephant gift we couldn't use."

Encouragement

Now you know what a 'white elephant' is! 🧠 Use it to describe that useless gadget or expensive mistake you've made. It's a fun and descriptive term that will impress your friends with your vocabulary skills. Keep expanding your knowledge, and you'll become a word whiz in no time! 🚀

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