When you hear the word “ding dong ditching,” do you immediately think of a schoolyard brawl or a backyard blitz? While most ding dong ditching incidents are harmless, one incident in Kentucky in 2011 involved a group of preteens being shot and one of them was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. However, the term “ding dong ditch” has a more sinister history.

Knock-a-door-run

Knock-a-door-run is an old English prank where a prankster runs up to someone’s door, knocks on it, and then runs away, much to the consternation of the residents. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century and is a variation on Ring and Run, which involves knocking on the door and running away before the person opens it.

Today, ding dong ditching is known by many names. In the North, it is known as knock-a-door-run and has been called “Tok-tokkie” (after the beetle’s taps on the floor). People have also referred to this activity as “knock and run,” “chickenelly,” and ‘knock-a-door-run.”

While ding dong ditching may be a harmless prank, it’s considered trespass and can get you in trouble. A warning or a court case is likely to follow the first time you do it, and the second time, you’ll face criminal charges. And remember that if you’re caught doing it more than once, the homeowner will likely call the police, so a warning is always a good idea.

While ding dong ditching may sound harmless, there have been many cases where it has tragic results. One incident from Kentucky in 2011 involved a group of preteens being shot. Thankfully, none of the teens were seriously injured, but they did sustain non-life-threatening injuries. The incident was filmed on video and went viral, earning a YouTube channel with more than 10 million views.

The ding dong ditching prank is a classic among children and adults alike. A prankster ringing a doorbell will typically run away before the person answers. It’s a classic prank, and even has a movie version. A classic version of the prank is in the Monster House movie, where Reggie Jackson teaches the Benchwarmers the ding dong ditch.

Knock out ginger

The term “knock out” has its origins in the game known as “tok-tokkie”, named for a beetle that tapped the floor. The game has also been called “knock-a-door-run” in the north. While the word itself means to knock, it is also used in games like “sour puss” and “run by.”

Knock-Dong ditching has been around for years. It involves ringing a doorbell, hiding in hiding, and attempting to run away before the door opens. It is one of the oldest games played by children and adults alike. However, modern day pranksters have incorporated doorbell cameras. In addition to knock-out ginger, the game is known as “ding-ding-ditching” and “chappy door run” too.

Knock-down ginger, also known as knocky door ginger, is another common game on rough housing estates. Players take turns knocking down the ginger kid. The goal is to make as many hits as possible to knock them out cold or render them useless. This game usually lasts a couple of weeks so that the ginger kid can recover and play again. A mobile phone may be used to record the action.

Legal ding-dong ditching is not prohibited in many jurisdictions. In some jurisdictions, it is deemed trespass, disturbing the peace, and a prank. In other jurisdictions, however, it is considered a violation of the rights of others and is not illegal. The practice is popular in some parts of the world, but is not legal in Canada.