It evokes laughter and must-watch moments on YouTube. Most associate it with rookies or first time riders though it kind of, sort of ended Ryan Villopoto's career.

Whiskey Throttle (or Whisky throttle in countries without an "e" in their name).

Whiskey throttle is what happens when a rider loses control, panics and loses even more control resulting in sometimes serious injury but at best hilarious moments. The lucky few lose their grip and get tossed from their ride, but for whatever reason it's fun to watch a goon try and hold on to an out of control dirt bike like a bucking bronco.

So why the heck don't they just let go?

In many respects it's hard to let go. Perhaps some blame belongs on how the throttle rolls backwards rather than to the front. Try it. It's easier to release your fingers when your hand is forward rather than in a 90 degree open throttle position. Plus we're wired to hold on. Your brain says - "Stay on the bike, don't throw yourself off." You ever hear someone say "Let go for dear life"?

Whiskey throttle tends to result in a loop out or crash like these gems:

Psychologically, it probably does tap into your fight or flight mechanism but in all seriousness, riders don't practice the Whiskey throttle because you can't. It's an out of control situation and when it happens, it happens so fast you don't have time to react. You panic and the momentum of losing control keeps you pinned as you try and hold on...for dear life.

Oh, so it's also a panic rev?

Nope, not even close.

A Panic rev is rolling the throttle but in a controlled situation because you know things are about to get out of control. It is in fact a tactical maneuver (unless Ronnie Mac is doing it) in order to straighten out a bike in mid-air that's nose diving into a landing. The spin of the tire as well as the rider trying to lean back (not easy to do in mid-flight with forward force) helps raise the front end of the bike up.

But it doesn't always work:

A lot of riders "panic rev" through jumps just for the fun of it, besides audiences tend to like it. Especially on 2-strokes.