English edit

Etymology edit

Deverbal from go slow.

Noun edit

go-slow (plural go-slows)

  1. (UK, Ireland) A period of time spent in an unusually slow fashion.
  2. (UK, Ireland, Nigeria) Deliberate slow working as a protest during an industrial dispute.
    • 2018 October 8, Nwanne Titus Freeman Ifeanyi, “LABOUR UNREST AND INDUSTRIAL PEACE”, in 8th Annual Youth Peace Conference[1], Godfrey Okoye University, pages 5, 7:
      Indiscipline results in chaos, confusion and diffusion or results. It give rise to strikes, ‘go-slows’, absenteeism, leading to loss of production, profits and wages. […] The features of code of discipline:
      (i) It prohibits strikes and lock outs without proper notice and also prohibits intimidation, victimization, go-slow tactics, violence, coercion or instigation by both parties.
  3. (Nigeria, informal) Any ponderous business, such as backhanded public administration or a traffic jam.
    • 2008 November 11, Nick Tattersall, “Uncertainty in "go-slow" Nigeria worries investors”, in Reuters[2]:
    • 2020 May 20, Magnus Onyibe, “Nigeria’s strategy for combating COVID-19: How we can change from go-slow to go-smart?”, in The Cable[3]:
      Nigerian masses are likely to be reticent about another two weeks of putting their lives on another go-slow.
      The first go-slow became evident during the first full lockdown when characteristically , govt authorities that promised the masses food, money and welfare after appropriating huge sums of money under the auspices of a powerful presidential task force, PTF, failed to deliver. […] And as if history was repeating itself, the long suffering masses compelled to stay home are bearing the brunt of the go-slow which is a subterfuge for corruption.

Synonyms edit

Related terms edit

See also edit