Indian burn

An Indian burn, also known as a snake bite or Chinese burn in the UK and Australia, is a pain-inducing prank, where the prankster grabs onto the victim's forearm or wrist, and starts turning the skin away from themselves with one hand, and with another hand towards themselves, causing an unpleasant burning sensation to the skin.^[1] The prank is popular in a school setting.^[2]

Terminology

The prank is known by various different names in the United States, such as Indian sunburn^[3] or Indian rug burn,^[4] and also as Chinese wrist burn,^[5] and as the snake bite.^[6] In countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, it is known as a Chinese burn.^[2] In Mexico, it is known as an enchilada. In Sweden, it is called tusen nålar ("a thousand needles"). In Netherlands, it is called prikkeldraad ("barbed wire") and in Germany it is called Brennnessel ("stinging nettle"). In Afrikaans it is called a "donkie byt" which translates to "donkey bite."

Variations

A variation of the prank can be done with a yarn that can be rubbed against the skin in a similar manner when starting fire in a small and dried haystack.^[6]

Criticism

Some Native Americans disapprove the use of the term Indian burn, including other vocabulary starting with the prefix "Indian-", such as Indian corn, Indian summer and Indian giver, among others.^[7]

Statistics

According to a poll carried out in the United Kingdom, with a sample size of 1,844 adults, 27% recalled receiving Indian burns in secondary school.^[2]

See also

• List of practical joke topics
  • Wedgie

References

1. Tréguer, Pascal (23 October 2020). "'Indian Burn': Meaning and Origin". Wordhistories.net. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
2. "Adults recall 'nasty playground pranks'". BBC.com. British Broadcasting Corporation. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
3. "Framing & Building Basics - Torsion" (PDF). BBRSD.org. Berlin-Boylston Regional School District. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
4. Hornblower, Andrew (27 April 2012). "Bullying Technique – Indian Rug Burn". USC.edu. University of Southern California. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
5. Bryant, Adey (12 August 2003). "Indian Burn cartoons and comics". CartoonStock.com. CartoonStock Ltd. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
6. Selzer, Adam (27 February 2011). "Snake Bites and Indian Burns". PlaygroundJungle.com. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
7. Safire, William (10 November 1996). "Take the DARE". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 June 2021.