White elephant

The term “white elephant” can mean a few different things depending on the context:

1. Literal Meaning (Historical/Origin)
   • Originates from Southeast Asia, where rare albino elephants were considered sacred and valuable.
   • Giving someone a white elephant was both an honor and a curse because the upkeep was ruinously expensive, but the animal couldn’t be sold or used for labor.

2. Modern Usage – Idiom
   • Refers to something costly and impractical that is more trouble than it’s worth.
   • Example: “That stadium is a white elephant—it cost billions and barely gets used.”

3. White Elephant Gift Exchange (Game)
   • A popular party game, especially around the holidays.
   • Participants bring humorous or inexpensive gifts, and people take turns choosing or “stealing” gifts in a structured order.
   • The goal is entertainment, not getting the “best” gift—often the gifts are odd, funny, or regifted items.

Let me know if you’re asking about the phrase, the party game, or something else!