has any1 everdone a chinese fire drill?

Question

why is it called a chinese firedrill? did they run around there cars when there was a fire?

Answer 1

Yep. A car stops and usually driver and passenger both exit the car to switch seats.

I've done this with folks who don't know how to drive standard. They were interstate driving in 5th gear, take the exit and at the end of the offramp just stop the car because they do not know how to drive any further.

The term originated in the early 1900s, during a naval incident wherein a ship manned by British officers and a Chinese crew set up a fire drill for fighting a fire in the engine room. In the event of a fire the crew was to form a bucket brigade, drawing water from the starboard side, taking it to the engine room and throwing it on the "fire." Because water would accumulate in the engine room, another crew was to take the excess thrown water and haul it back up to the main deck, and then heave it over the port side (in order to bail it out).

When the drill was called the first moments went according to plan, but then orders became confused in translation. The crew for the bucket brigade began drawing the water from the starboard side, running over to the port side, and then throwing the water over, and so by-passing the engine room completely.

Thus the expression "Chinese Fire Drill" entered our lexicon as meaning a large confused action by individuals accomplishing nothing.

Answer 2

to your first question"has any1 everdone a chinese fire drill"

Yea it was at a girls sleepover and we thought that it would be fun,,,
IT was.. :-)

To the next couple I have no idea

Answer 3

Hasn't everybody done that??? It's fun.

Answer 4

yes it was fun haven't thought about that for along time thanks for bringing back a funny memory