nerdy guy said I reminded him of a "white elephant"?

Question

Just meet this cute guy, we got along great! Don't know what it means- but I'm pretty sure it's a reference to a game/book/fantasy universe.

They guy is big into warhammer, D&D and other stuff like that. At first I heard "white elf" - but he said it again, in a kinda an amazed voice and was kinda embarrassed it seemed.

... no, he WASN'T calling me fat (lol)

Can anyone help me out?

Answer 1

The story of the white elephant goes back to the historical kingdom of Siam. When the king wanted to cut an ambitious aristocrat down to size, he would gift him with a rare albino elephant. Custom required such animals to be kept in a life of honour and comfort that was financially crippling. This effectively clipped the noble's wings without resulting in bloodshed.



In the strictest sense, therefore, a white elephant has idiomatically come to mean any project or activity that cannot be abandoned, yet which costs vast sums of money and brings no obvious benefit. Generally speaking, if someone called me a white elephant in a relationship sense it would not be a compliment as it would imply that you cost a lot of money and give very little in return.



However, I'm certain that he didn't mean it in this sense. The expression is also sometimes used simply to refer to something incredibly rare and precious that deserves to be held in honour and kept in luxury. This meaning has mostly died out because the former meaning is more common and confusion arises. But I feel certain that this is what he meant.



Despite being a dedicated fantasy geek myself, I can't swear to the expression's use in any particular story arc, but I'd guess that this is where he got it. Socially-functional geeks make great partners, because we are very dedicated to the things we love. He sounds like a keeper, so God bless!

Answer 2

Are you kidding?!? that is Donny Osmond! You did not understand? between the white n' nerdiest men in television historic past. he's between the numerous stuff that makes that video so staggering. Who ELSE would desire to conceivable be extraordinary Al's backup dancer for White and Nerdy??? i think of that is super that Al actual have been given Donny Osmond to comply with be interior the video. Freakin' hilarious!!!!

Answer 3

White elephant usually refers to something or someone that is different or unusual. That is a good thing. You are one of a kind, a rare breed, in his eyes.

Answer 4

Don't take personal offense, but I think a white elephant is worthless and unnecessary.



I don't know how that applies to you, since you're not fat.

Answer 5

I read somewhere that a "white elephant" is an idiom for a valuable possession that the owner cannot dispose of.



Hope I helped! :)

Answer 6

I have no clue and I used to be into D&D about 15 years ago and I'm into the fantasy genre not fanboy level or anything. It makes no sense to me. Just ask him what he meant.

Answer 7

Well I think it was a complement considering that a white elephant is thought to be a rare and expensive possession. So... i think he adores you.

Answer 8

haha arent elephants signs of luck? maybe the white one means that hes lucky to have met you?

Answer 9

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.

Answer 10

its a line from a romantic movie where this guy from africa says it to his wife which means Beautiful women so in a way its a good thing.

Answer 11

Thats cute. hes a keeper. hes nervouse

Answer 12

a rare find is probably what he meant