Definition: Taipan is a mythical creature from Chinese folklore, resembling a human-sized snake, with feathers on its back and scales on its tail. The word has several meanings depending on the context: - 1927: It was used to describe Japanese submarines during World War II. - Taipans are said to be able to "swim in water" without moving their bodies. - In today's slang, it refers to something that is unnecessary or impractical.