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Definition of yellow peril in English:

yellow peril

noun

  • 1 offensive Chiefly with the. The political or military threat regarded as being posed by certain peoples of East and South-East Asia, especially the Chinese; people of East or South-East Asia regarded as posing such a threat.

  • 2In extended use. Any of various yellow objects, substances, etc., regarded as a threat.

Pronunciation

yellow peril

/ˌjɛləʊ ˈpɛrɪl/ /ˌjɛləʊ ˈpɛr(ə)l/

Origin

Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Standard. From yellow + peril, after French péril jaune.