Skip to main content

bikeshedding 

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.
bikeshedding by Eann September 18, 2006
bikeshedding mug front
Get the bikeshedding mug.
See more merch

bikeshedding 

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!"
Related Words

bike shedding 

Another name for Parkinson's Law of Triviality. It's when an individual or group fixates on discussing trivial issues or ones way outside their area of expertise because the pressing issues they actually need to resolve are too hard for them to constructively engage with.

You know you're the victim of bike shedding when a colleague wants to call a meeting to discuss his face-palmingly idiotic suggestions for your project while deliberately ignoring critical problems of their own that they don't know how to fix or get started with.
Developer: The CEO wants to be involved in the website redesign
Marketing: And the COO too. Pure bike shedding.
bike shedding by jetpants May 1, 2019
slip of the tongue perhaps,
Those idiots who drive around in a ridiculously raised pick up truck, making a top heavy vehicle even more top heavy and unstable
A:*gah*
B: "Whats the matter"
A: This dam prickup is blinding me.
B: Stupid thing's, as if there lights weren't blinding enough as it is.
prickup by lunasea September 28, 2009
Word of the Day on June 23, 2026

Serial Monogamist 

Someone who jumps from one relationship immediately into another one.

Serial monogamists can not stand to be alone and often suffer from vast commitment and insecurity issues.

Because they jump into relationships immediately after the previous one has ended, serial monogamists typically don't take the time to reflect on their behavior or why their previous relationships failed; thus, they end up making the same relationship mistakes over and over again.
Person 1: Damn, Dustin already has a new girlfriend?! It's only been two weeks since he broke up with his fiance! I think he's a sociopath.

Person 2: No, he's a serial monogamist...
Word of the Day on June 22, 2026

liquid lunch 

A lunchbreak comprised entirely of alcoholic beverages, and no food.
"With all the lay-offs that morning, it was rough. I hit the bar around the corner for a liquid lunch mid-day."
liquid lunch by Alexandra July 27, 2004
Word of the Day on June 21, 2026
Dunzo, a slang word for done/finshed. Made famous by the Laguna Beach cast.
This car is so dunzo. (Kristin's car breaks down.)
dunzo by Joey Pellet December 8, 2004
Word of the Day on June 20, 2026