doorbell ditch

Ring and flee

Doorbell ditch is a children's prank: ringing someone's doorbell and running away before they answer.

The fun lies in watching from hiding as the confused homeowner opens the door to find no one there.

Also called ding-dong ditch, knock-knock ginger, or nicky-nicky-nine-doors depending on region.

Related
  • dingSmall surface imperfection
  • dashQuick burst or pinch
  • prankPlayful trick on someone
  • knockStrike-produced sound
  • runMove swiftly on foot

run away · hide · giggle · nervous laughter · sneaky · mischief · neighborhood · front porch · sprint · escape · ring · bolt · kids · dusk · bushes · adrenaline · heart pounding · footsteps

Opposites
social legitimacy of visit

doorbell ditchhouse call

Doctor's trip to patient

guest of honor · open-door policy · hospitality · warm reception · dinner guest

prankish vs. sincere intent

doorbell ditchface-to-face meeting

standing one's ground · owning up

Family

door, bell, ditch, doors, bells, ditches, doored, belled, ditched

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G