Meaning of “White Elephant”

In modern English, a “white elephant” refers to something expensive but useless or burdensome. It’s often something that costs a lot to maintain but doesn’t serve a real purpose, like an unwanted gift or an overly lavish but impractical purchase.

Origin of the Phrase

The phrase “white elephant” comes from ancient Southeast Asian traditions, particularly in Thailand (formerly Siam) and Myanmar (Burma). In these regions, white (albino) elephants were considered sacred and rare animals. Because of their unique appearance and connection to royalty, they were seen as symbols of power and were highly prized by kings and noble families.

The Royal Gift of a White Elephant

While white elephants were a mark of honor, owning one came with a huge cost. These sacred animals couldn’t be used for labor and required a great deal of special care, making them an expensive burden. According to legend, Siamese kings would sometimes give a white elephant as a gift to someone who had displeased them. Since the recipient was obligated to care for it but couldn’t use it productively, the white elephant became a costly and inconvenient possession—a way of bestowing financial strain disguised as a gift.

How It Became Part of English

The term made its way into English in the 19th century, as European travelers and writers shared stories of Southeast Asian culture. By the late 1800s, “white elephant” was used to describe anything costly and difficult to maintain but with little practical value.

Examples in Modern Use

• A building project that cost millions but serves no useful purpose might be called a “white elephant.”
• An extravagant but unwanted gift, like an elaborate gadget or a pet that’s hard to care for, could be called a “white elephant.”

Fun Fact: White Elephant Gift Exchanges

Today, we even have “white elephant gift exchanges” during holidays. In these events, people exchange funny, impractical, or unusual gifts, often as a lighthearted way to enjoy the holiday spirit without spending much on something useful!