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Newguest Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Darlington Stripe

Hi

Have you ever heard the term "Darlington Stripe". It's got something to do with the Darlington Raceway.

I'm curious about the word "stripe". Is it a reference to the stripes the generals or other military people have on their uniforms?
  

Top answer

Hi, The race track has white walls around it. When a novice driver hits the wall and slides along it, leaving a long mark, it's called a 'Darlington stripe'. It's an ironic term because receiving a stripe is usually a sign of merit, eg of promotion in the army.

— Clive

  • Hi, The race track has white walls around it.
  • When a novice driver hits the wall and slides along it, leaving a long mark, it's called a 'Darlington stripe'.
  • It's an ironic term because receiving a stripe is usually a sign of merit, eg of promotion in the army.
  • Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi,

The race track has white walls around it. When a novice driver hits the wall and slides along it, leaving a long mark, it's called a 'Darlington stripe'. It's an ironic term because receiving a stripe is usually a sign of merit, eg of promotion in the army.


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Hi

So actually I was right that it refers to the military.

He earned his Darlington stripe just like a soldier gets his stripe which means he's promoted.

Thanks Clive!
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