Teflon Don
Charges never stuck
Teflon Don is a nickname for someone who evades consequences despite repeated accusations or scandals—charges don't stick, like the nonstick coating.
Originally applied to mob boss John Gotti, who beat multiple federal cases in the 1980s before his eventual conviction.
The nickname later attached to Donald Trump during his political career: He's the Teflon Don—nothing seems to hurt him with his base.
- ScarfaceCriminal's disfigurement-based nickname
- nonstickResists food adhesion
- mobsterOrganized crime member
- acquittalFormal clearing of charges
- not guiltyCleared of charges
The Godfather · omertà · racketeering · indictment · criminal trial · Lucky Luciano · slippery · underworld · deflection · beat the rap · untouchable · mistrial · resilience · plea bargain · capo · consigliere · Bugsy Siegel · prosecutor
- nicknamesnickname, pet name, alias, handle, moniker
- Political SlangMAGA, Tricky Dick, Dubya, New Deal, Great Society
Teflon Donfall guy
One blamed for others
scapegoat · convicted felon · patsy · brought to justice · held accountable
Teflon Donpariah
Rejected, shunned person
persona non grata · disgraced · ruined · finished · toxic