Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

firehose syndrome
     
        In mainstream folklore it is observed that trying to drink
        from a firehose can be a good way to rip your lips off.  On
        computer networks, the absence or failure of flow control
        mechanisms can lead to situations in which the sending system
        sprays a massive flood of packets at an unfortunate receiving
        system, more than it can handle.
     
        Compare {overrun}, {buffer overflow}.
     
        [{Jargon File}]