white elephant
/ˈwaɪt ˈɛlɪfənt/
noun
Origin
English
white + elephant — Reference to the gifting practices of Southeast Asian monarchs.
Overview
Meaning Now
- A possession that is useless, troublesome, or expensive to maintain, especially one that is difficult to dispose of.
- A large, elaborate, or expensive construction or project that serves no useful purpose.
Literal older meaning
An albino elephant.
Language path
English
Earliest form
white elephant
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
According to popular historical tradition, kings of Siam (modern-day Thailand) would gift a white elephant to courtiers who had fallen out of favor. Because these animals were considered sacred and could not be put to work, they were incredibly expensive to feed and maintain. The recipient was thus ruined by the cost of upkeep, unable to refuse the royal gift.
Evolution
- 18th century
white elephant
“Sacred animals in Southeast Asia requiring high maintenance.”
Kept as a sign of prestige by kings.
- 19th century
white elephant
“A gift that is burdensome to the recipient.”
Popularized as a metaphor for useless extravagance.
Connections
Word parts
white
root
color
elephant
root
mammal
Explore next
Related to white elephant
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.