Chinese home run

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A home run hit to the minimum distance possible, usually just over the outfield fence closest to home plate.

Register: dated, derogatory, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Chinese home run: 1. A derogatory term for a home run hit over the portion of the outfield fence closest to home plate, often one that lands just inside (or hits) the foul pole in a ballpark with small dimensions.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A foul ball hit high and far, usually over the back of the plate.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “Chinese home run” mean?

A home run hit to the minimum distance possible, usually just over the outfield fence closest to home plate.

Is “Chinese home run” formal or informal?

Chinese home run is generally dated, derogatory, slang.