ding-dong ditch

[ ding-dawng dich ]

noun

1. a prank in which participants knock on the door or ring the doorbell of a house, apartment, etc., and then run away before the occupant answers the door.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ding-dong ditch¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

On Aug. 21, a 15-year-old boy and three friends were walking past Walters’ residence when they decided to play a prank commonly called “ding-dong ditch,” in which a person walks up to a residence, rings the doorbell or hits the door, and runs away.

From Seattle Times

I was the kid in the neighborhood running around with no socks on, hopping over fences, playing tag, playing ding-dong ditch, like kids in the old days.

From Seattle Times

After opening the door, the teen mooned Chandra and ran back to the car, completing the prank known as a “ding-dong ditch.”

From Washington Times

Even if you want to ding-dong ditch me with my mail, at least I’ll walk upstairs and grab my package before a porch pirate does!

From Seattle Times

At first, she figured it was a harmless childhood prank of “ding-dong ditch.”

From Los Angeles Times