off the chain

== English == === Etymology === In reference to slave labor, where workers are chained, or to the figurative chain of workers of an assembly line. Slang sense by analogy to a frenetic dog when unleashed. === Pronunciation === === Prepositional phrase === off the chain (figurative) Free from work or direct supervision. (originally African-American Vernacular, slang) Crazy and exciting; delirious and wild. 2002 October 31, Samaki Walker (interviewee), Howard Beck (journalist), “Lakers Notebook: Walton's Words Make Shaq Stew”, Daily News, Los Angeles “I saw the ring (Tuesday), and it was just unbelievable. That it was my turn to be one of those select few to achieve the ultimate success. It is, what we say, ‘off the chain.’ So it was really an enjoyable moment.” (African-American Vernacular, slang) Completely insane; crazy. ==== Related terms ==== === References === “off the chain”, in Green’s Dictionary of Slang, Jonathon Green, 2016–present Eric Partridge (2005), “off the chain”, in Tom Dalzell and Terry Victor, editors, The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, volume 1 (A–I), London; New York, N.Y.: Routledge, →ISBN, page 364.