Technical disputes over minor, marginal issues conducted while more serious ones are being overlooked. The implied image is of people arguing over what color to paint the bicycle shed while the house is not finished. (jargon file)
I'm not pointing fingers as I get sucked into those discussions just like everyone else, but the bikeshedding-to-action ratio is fabulously high.
by Eann September 18, 2006
A point when a meeting or discussion ceases to focus on the primary topic at hand, to focus on more trivial concepts.
"So we're confident the use of a heavy water moderator will totally reduce void risk, especially when pumped horizontally through the core. Thoughts?"
"Uh yeah, are we gonna paint the bike shed purple?"
"I think blue is more harmonious."
"No, its should be yellow."
"FOR FUCKS SAKE GUYS STOP WITH THE LITERAL BIKESHEDDING!"
"Uh yeah, are we gonna paint the bike shed purple?"
"I think blue is more harmonious."
"No, its should be yellow."
"FOR FUCKS SAKE GUYS STOP WITH THE LITERAL BIKESHEDDING!"
by Somebody, but not Nobody May 2, 2021