A whiteelephant (also albino elephant) [1] is a rare kind of elephant, but not a distinct species. Although often depicted as snow white, their skin is typically a soft reddish-brown, turning a light pink when wet. [2] · The phrase “whiteelephant” conjures images of grandeur and luxury, but what does it truly mean? The term encompasses a variety of interpretations, from the literal to the metaphorical, and it carries cultural significance that varies across different societies. Did you know? The real whiteelephant (the kind with a trunk) is a pale pachyderm that has long been an object of veneration in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. The term “whiteelephant” comes from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand (formerly Siam), where whiteelephants are sacred and highly revered. This rare animal was believed to bring good luck and a connection to royalty. A white elephant is something that is expensive, or that costs a lot of money to keep in good condition, but that has no useful purpose and is no longer wanted. Learn more about this term, its origin, and how to use it in different contexts. · Today, the term ‘white elephant’ denotes any burdensome, expensive and useless possession that is much more trouble than it is worth. The origins of the phrase come from Siam (modern-day Thailand). · The term "whiteelephant" traces back to Southeast Asia, particularly Siam (modern-day Thailand), where rare pale elephants held sacred status, believed to bring prosperity to the kingdom.
