Play the white man is a term used in parts of England meaning to be decent and trustworthy in one's actions[citation needed]. The term is considered by some to be derogatory against non-whites because they believe it carries the implication that only whites are decent and trustworthy. Originating in colonial England, the term is losing popularity in common parlance. A similar expression in the United States is "That's mighty white of you", meaning, "Thank you for being fair". Among African Americans, this phrase is said in response to being patronized or told what to think. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play_the_white_man