Etymology

Teflon Don

Today it means: Nickname for John Gotti (1940–2002), American crime boss. Full definition →

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Teflon Don · proper noun1

From teflon (“able to easily shrug off or deflect criticism or blame”) + don (“mafia boss”), after three high-profile trials in the 1980s resulted in acquittals.

Teflon Don · proper noun2

From teflon (“able to easily shrug off or deflect criticism or blame”) + Don (diminutive of Donald), for Trump’s supposed ability to dodge legal matters. Compare Dutch Teflon Mark.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.