Skip to main content
Bikeshed refers to topics which have never recieved concensus and are likely to generate side-discussions and flames unless all participants are well-read on all the past history. It stems from the idea that big changes (like the building of a power plant) go through quickly, since everyone assumes that someone else has checked it out, while simple changes (like building a bikeshed) often get mired in bureaucracy, since everyone has an opinion on it.
Tom posted a bikeshed topic to the mailing list and awoke to 11,358 messages in his inbox.
bikeshed by Andy Greenwood January 4, 2007
Related Words

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

BIKESHED BOY 

Someone who has an awkward relationship with their girlfriend, they often resolve to planned visits behind a hidden place for a simple peck on the cheek
That kid over there is a bikeshed boy
BIKESHED BOY by Therandomguyish March 15, 2017

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!"

Utility beer 

Utility beer is the beer you keep around for the day-to-day moments when beer is a necessity to assist in pedestrian activities (golf, plumbing, yardwork, babysitting, staff meetings, Zoom calls). For the beer snob it is the beer you save for neighbors when they drop in at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday. It is differentiated from the actual high-end beer you save for special events, holidays, and special tastings.
Person 1: Dave, did you bring along those hazy craft IPA's so we could drink while cleaning Lyle's pool?
Person 2: Nope. I just have a bunch of utility beer that Steve dumped on me. Good enough for this. It is only 10:30 a.m.
Utility beer by lakeshore February 1, 2022
Word of the Day on August 10, 2026
Police activity, especially of the non-productive type i.e. The act of setting up and patrolling speed traps, harassing or arresting people based on appearance (racial profiling), breaking up parties, any sort of cannabis bust, etc.
"Did you see all the cops on highway 6? They are oinking hard!"

"I hope Johnny doesn't get caught with his bag of weed, the pigs are oinking"
Oinking by DontDrinkSoda June 29, 2013
Word of the Day on August 9, 2026