red fever—
1. an infectious disease with fever, headache, and rash, transmitted by rat fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis):
- Sick with red fever, John Lodi and his children do not catch up to Lafayette in Indian Territory until six months later.
2. (U.S., euph.) a sympathy to Communism, especially in the 1950s:
- He went underground and became part of the movement. He got the red fever; for five years he really believed it was the answer.
Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase scarlet fever—
1. an infectious disease caused by streptococcus bacteria and characterized by a sore throat, fever, and a sandpaper-like rash on reddened skin:
- Scarlet fever is predominantly a disease found in children.
2. (UK ironic, dated) a passion for soldiers (with reference to their scarlet uniforms):
- Nurse-maids are always ready to succumb to the “scarlet fever.” A red coat is all powerful with this class.
red light fever—
1. nervousness in front of a live microphone or video camera:
- Obviously, the singer had red light fever. The producer should have given that guy some sort of comfort level.
2. seeking media attention:
- She seems to have forgotten that her job is to report the news, not to make it. …the lady is suffering from what’s known in the trade as red light fever.
3. a tendency to have a false start during a car race or to run a red light:
- If you noticed, both of the trucks in the finals had red light fever, but Dennis’ came on first which made Bob the winner.