bikeshedding

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

The word originates in BSD culture and implies technical disputes over minor, marginal issues conducted while more serious ones are being overlooked. The implied image is of people arguing over what color to paint the bicycle shed while the house is not finished. The word has its origins in the Parkinson's Law of Triviality.

[edit] Noun

bikeshedding (uncountable)

1. Futile investment of time and energy in marginal technical issues, often including annoying propaganda.