Why are people using teflon in their posts?

[mot78]

is this becoming a new slang word like lihop or moran?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

1. It's an old slang word.

[boxster]

2. Clinton was the "teflon" president.

He was called that because scandals and criticism didn't seem to stick to him. The term has been applied to him for probably a decade or more.

I used it recently in reference to Dean, as I see similarities in his ability to deflect criticism. If he ends up being our nominee, I hope he can maintain that ability.

[Catshrink]

4. It originated with Reagan....

[boxster]

7. Yes, I do recall that it was used by Carter about Reagan.

The original poster asked why posters were using it - I referenced Clinton because that is who Dean's criticism deflection ability reminds me of.

[Robin Hood]

5. It goes back further than Clinton.

They started to use it for Reagan.

[stevedeshazer]

6. Nope

Reagan was. The term was coined by Jimmy Carter.

link: http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/meanings/347900.html

'Coined in the 1980s by Jimmy Carter referring to the ability that Ronald Reagan acquired for getting into politically 'dirty' areas but emerging with his reputation and popularity unscathed and no 'mud' sticking. Has since been applied to Bill Clinton who shared this apparent slickness.'

[0007]

13. It started with John Gotti -

He was 'Teflon Don', remember folks. Put on him by NYC DA.

[brook]

11. Goodness.

I never heard it applied to Bill Clinton. I thought it originated and died with Reagan. Silly me.

[Catherine Vincent]

12. I thought Clinton was the labeled the "Come Back Kid"?

No matter what type of scandal came his way, he always came back stronger?

[Eric J in MN]

3. the definition

No stick frying pans are sometimes made with teflon.

A politician whose popularity isn't diminished by something supposedly scandalous is sometimes described as a "teflon" candidate/President.

Reagan was called a teflon President, and later Clinton.

[oasis]

8. Yes, like when Reagan lied about Iran-contra. Didn't stick. Or did his

faithful minions choose to ignore?

[LiviaOlivia]

9. Teflon is a proper noun

Teflon is made up of fluropolymers and created by DuPont. Teflon was the first non-stick coating applied to pans,cooking utencils, etc. It is used now in everything from nail polish to aerospace applications.

[karlschneider]

10. But of course one of life's biggest questions is:

What makes teflon stick to the PAN?



:D

[DrFunkenstein]

15. Lol

n/t

[LiviaOlivia]

16. Sprayed n' baked?

Here's a link for everthing you always wanted to know about Teflon
but were afraid to ask:

http://www.teflon.com/NASApp/Teflon/TeflonPageServlet?pageId=/consumer/na/eng/news/news_detail.teflon_history.htmls

Better living thru Chemistry

[Kanary]

14. Pat Schroeder!

My Congresswoman at the time, Pat Schroeder, was the one who coined the term in reference to Reagan. She was a tremendously gifted speaker, and came up with many quips.

I miss Pat.

Kanary

[salin]

17. I miss her too!

Pat come back to public life - you are needed!

[Kanary]

18. Yes, Pat

please come back.

And bring the bunny suit with you.

The *real* bunny suit.

Kanary