Chinese/Indian Burn

Shatnerfan | 16:42 Thu 22nd May 2003 | Phrases & Sayings

4 Answers

A friction burn on the forearrm often employed by schoolchildren is known as a Chinese Burn. How did this term arise? They call this an Indian Burn on The Simpsons. Why the difference?

Origin of the phrase

'Totty' - what a grim word

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strozzi

The term Chinese Burn originated in England in the early 60s for the playground torture consisting of the rotation of the skin near the wrist in two opposing directions simultaneously causing friction burns to the victims forearm. The term Indian Burn was coined in the USA for the same jolly prank. This spread to Canada where it was also known as Indian Fire. Two other common names for the same punishment / torture were Icicle and Japanese Burn.

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xyzzy@bok

gremlins...

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