If an xbox ring of death is only 3 red lights and not a total ring, then why is it called a ring of death?

i guess just because there isn't any other name for it. what else can you call 3 red lights on a ring?

and the three red lights are already on the actual ring so it really doesn't matter about the last light (the fourth one to complete a ring) that doesn't turn on

B/c something that serious cant be called "The 3/4 Ring Of Death"

Because on the original Xbox it was a full ring and 3 red lights of death just doesnt sound as good.