Rice burner

Rice burner is a pejorative term used in the United States to describe Asian-made, particularly Japanese, motorcycles and automobiles. Initially, it was used to mock the smaller, less powerful vehicles compared to the larger American cars and motorcycles prevalent in the 1960s and 1970s. Over time, the term has also been associated with vehicles modified for increased performance or appearance, often with aftermarket parts, which can sometimes be derogatory or a badge of honor among enthusiasts.

Origin and Usage

The term "rice burner" combines "rice," referring to the staple food of many Asian countries, and "burner," slang for a fast vehicle. It reflects a stereotype that Asian-manufactured vehicles were inferior in quality and performance. However, this perception has significantly changed over the decades as companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda have established themselves as leaders in automotive innovation, reliability, and performance.

Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of the term "rice burner" has evolved. In the 1980s and 1990s, as Japanese cars began to dominate global markets for their reliability and affordability, the term was often used disparagingly by proponents of American muscle cars. However, the import tuning scene, which involves modifying these vehicles for better performance or appearance, has reclaimed the term to some extent. Enthusiasts of cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Supra, and Nissan Skyline have embraced the term, showcasing their vehicles' capabilities in drag racing, drift competitions, and car shows.

Controversy

The term "rice burner" is controversial and can be seen as racially insensitive. It stereotypes vehicles based on their country of origin and can perpetuate outdated notions of quality and performance. The automotive community is divided on its use, with some rejecting the term outright and others embracing it as part of the tuner culture lexicon.

Related Terms

Similar terms include "rice rocket" for motorcycles and "rice car" for automobiles. These terms also carry a mix of derogatory and endearing connotations, depending on the context and audience. The broader category of modified vehicles also includes terms like "muscle car" for American-made performance cars and "hot rod" for older cars modified for speed.

See Also

• Tuner (car)
• Import scene
• Car modification
• Japanese domestic market