Chinese fire drill en · NOUN
Etymology
Perhaps from the World War I era, from the former Western use of Chinese as an ethnic and racial slur; now used only as a festive exclamation.
Meanings
- (US) A prank performed while stopped in a car at a red light, and where each passenger, including the driver, shouts "Chinese fire drill", exits the vehicle, runs at least once around it, then re-enters, each taking a different seat.
- (US, derogatory) A silly, pointless exercise.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese fire drills | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
Synonyms
Polish fire drill · fire drill
Translations (2)
pl chaotyczna sytuacja (prank) · es simulacro de incendio de China (prank)