I have heard it came about from somebody having a white elephant statue in their living room. It was hideous but no one wanted to say so to the owners.
Eletelephony Once there was an elephant
Who tried to use the telephant No! No! I meant the elephone Who tried to use the telephone Dear me! I am not certain quite That even now I've got it right.
How'er it was, he got his trunk Entangled in the telephunk The more he tried to get it free The louder buzzed the telephee I fear I better drop the song Of elehop and telephong!