Where Did The Term “Cold Turkey” Come From?

This phrase originated in the early 1900s. Initial usage points to a meaning of something happening abruptly. Since 1921, it referred to a treatment of drug addiction, where the addict was made to quit abruptly. Now, it means breaking any habit abruptly, but is mostly used for bad habits.

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The phrase “cold turkey” is commonly used to describe the abrupt cessation of an addictive substance or behavior But where exactly did this odd expression originate from? As an avid etymology enthusiast, I decided to do some digging to uncover the roots of this peculiar term.

After thorough research across numerous sources, several theories emerged, each providing their own fascinating explanation. Here’s a comprehensive look at the various postulated origins of the phrase “cold turkey”:

The Turkey’s Flesh

One of the most popular theories links the term to the goosebump-covered flesh of a plucked uncooked turkey. Specifically it draws parallels between a turkey’s cold, clammy skin and the withdrawal symptoms experienced by those quitting drugs cold turkey – such as heroin or morphine.

The logic is that the goosebumps, chills, and pale, rigid skin of a drug addict going through withdrawal resembles the texture of a refrigerated turkey carcass This connection was described in 1978 by San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen and again in 2006 in the book Cop Speak The Lingo of Law Enforcement and Crime

While definitely vivid, the flaw with this theory is the timeline – cold turkey was used in other contexts before being applied to drug withdrawal.

Plain Talking

Perhaps a more likely origin traces back to the earlier phrase “talk turkey.” Dating to the early 1800s, it referred to speaking frankly, plainly, and getting straight to the point.

By the early 1900s, “talk cold turkey” emerged, combining the “cold” connotation of direct, unvarnished talk with “talk turkey.” A 1920 cartoon even used the term “cold turkey” to mean giving it to someone straight.

According to etymologists, the original “cold turkey” probably derived from this “cold” + “talk turkey” combination. It conveyed a sense of abrupt, no-nonsense communication and truth-telling.

Instant Readiness

Another proposed origin centers on the quick, effortless preparation of a cold turkey dish. The connection suggests that quitting cold turkey equates to stopping something promptly and decisively, without build-up.

Just as cold turkey requires minimal prep time before eating, quitting cold turkey implies an instant, ready-made decision to cease the offending habit. But again, timeline issues undermine this explanation.

First Known Uses

The first known appearance linking cold turkey to quitting was in a November 1921 British Columbia newspaper discussing drug addiction treatment. By the 1970s, cold turkey was strongly associated with quitting drugs, alcohol, smoking, and other vices abruptly.

While we can’t know for certain, the “plain talk” origin seems most plausible given the evidence. Regardless of its roots, the phrase perfectly captures the intense discomfort of immediately stopping an addictive substance or behavior. So next time you plan to quit something cold turkey, hopefully you’ll better understand the intriguing story behind the term!

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where did the term cold turkey come from

What is Cold Turkey | Explained in 2 min

FAQ

What is the origin of the phrase “cold turkey”?

The expression first appeared in the Daily Colonist in British Columbia in 1921: “Perhaps the most pitiful figures who have appeared before Dr. Carleton Simon … are those who voluntarily surrender themselves. When they go before him, that are given what is called the ‘cold turkey’ treatment.”

Why is quitting suddenly called cold turkey?

The term is also attributed to piloerection or “goose bumps” that occurs with abrupt withdrawal from opioids, which resembles the skin of a plucked refrigerated turkey. The similar term “kick the habit” alludes to the muscle spasms that occur in addition to goosebumps in some cases.

What does cold turkey mean in slang?

go cold turkey, Informal. to stop using an addictive substance abruptly and completely. to undergo sudden and complete withdrawal from a habitual activity or behavior pattern. to begin or do something without planning, preparation, or practice.

What is the reference of cold turkey?

A common theory that arises has to do with the look of turkey flesh. Someone who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms gets cold, clammy flesh and goosebumps, therefore their skin resembles the skin of a plucked turkey.