2007-12-02 14:50:45 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
because the wench of the white house was already taken"
damn casa blanka
2007-12-02 15:04:53 · answer #1 · answered by Ancient Warrior DogueDe Bordeaux 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was first applied to describe the niece of President James Buchanan when she served as the official hostess at the White House. Buchanan was a life-long bachelor. The term has been used to refer to the wife of the President ever since. All of Buchanan's successors were married.
2007-12-02 15:26:05 · answer #2 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It came from the old opera days, when the leading lady was called a prima donna. Translated, it means first lady. It carried over to politics, back in the times when women were not involved in politics, and referred to the wife of a head of state.
2007-12-02 15:07:51 · answer #3 · answered by Molly Pitcher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup he's right about Buchanan's presidency. It also rumored that he had a very close male friend. Thats why he never married. Nothing against that but interesting little fact.
2007-12-02 17:21:47 · answer #4 · answered by Benny M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think she was refered to as the FIRST lady, when clinton was in office.
2007-12-02 15:01:15 · answer #5 · answered by gen patton 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋