Every sport has its jargon that can be perplexing if you’re not well-versed in the terminology, and bowling is certainly no different!
If you’re new to the sport of bowling, you may have pondered the question: Why is it that three consecutive strikes are referred to as a “Turkey” in bowling?
In this article, we will delve into the origins of the term “Turkey” in bowling, examining the reasons behind why achieving three strikes in a row is referred to by this fascinating name.
The unique terminology of bowling contains many peculiar names and phrases but few are as distinctive or intriguing as calling three consecutive strikes a “turkey”. This distinctive moniker has origins dating back over a century and contains a fascinating backstory that sheds light on bowling’s history and evolution.
The Elusive Three-Strike Feat
During bowling’s early years in the late 1800s and early 1900s scoring three strikes in a row, or a turkey was a rare and noteworthy achievement. Lanes were crudely built and maintained, pins were set by hand and often weighted or tipped to deter strikes, and bowling balls had only three holes with limited grip. These conditions made bowling far more challenging than the modern game. Knocking down all ten pins in three consecutive frames required great precision, power, and luck.
For competent bowlers of the era, a turkey represented the pinnacle of bowling excellence. As bowling grew in popularity and tournaments arose offering prizes to top scorers, a turkey was a feat worthy of reward. But how did this elusive accomplishment become associated with the bird called turkey?
The Turkey Prize Tradition
The connection between the turkey and three strikes has its origins around the turn of the 20th century. In bowling tournament prize pools, turkeys were sometimes offered alongside hams, chickens, and other food items. When a bowler managed the challenging feat of three consecutive strikes, commonly during a holiday tournament, they would be awarded a live turkey as a prize.
As this practice spread, bowling enthusiasts began referring to the accomplishment itself as a “turkey”. The terminology stuck, and soon the “turkey” was cemented in bowling lexicons and traditions. Though no longer awarded, the name remains to this day as a nod to bowling’s early history of giving turkeys to excellent bowlers.
Enduring Significance
The turkey has endured as a bowling ideal through changing eras and techniques. As bowling advanced technologically, with synthetic lanes, automated pinsetters, and high-tech balls, achieving a turkey became commonplace amongst seasoned bowlers. Some came to view it as unremarkable.
Yet the turkey remains a meaningful benchmark for bowling prowess. Any bowler can appreciate the sustained concentration required to execute near-perfect strikes in three successive frames. The turkey’s longevity in bowling language is a testament to its historical status as an elite bowling feat.
Modern bowling fans and players still acknowledge the legacy behind the turkey name, and use the associated terminology of “four-bagger” for four consecutive strikes or “six-pack” for six. The turkey has secured its place in bowling history and culture.
Notable Turkeys
Certain turkeys live on as legendary moments in bowling tournaments and championships. Walter Ray Williams Jr.’s crucial turkey in the final frames of the 2002 U.S. Open forced a dramatic roll-off for the title. Glenn Allison’s turkey at the 1982 Toledo Trust PBA National Championship garnered a thunderous reaction from the crowd.
Lisa Wagner’s back-to-back turkeys at the 1987 U.S. Women’s Open was dubbed “the greatest performance in the history of the sport” by NBC’s bowling announcer. These are just a few of the memorable championship turkeys that left an indelible mark on bowling lore.
Turkey Terminology
The turkey spawned its own niche terminology within bowling’s vocabulary. A “rhino” represents back-to-back turkeys in a game. A “golden turkey” denotes nine consecutive strikes. When a bowler converts the 7-10 split three times in a row, it’s called a “big bird”. References to poultry persist throughout bowling lingo thanks to the iconic turkey.
Cultural Tradition
Beyond technical jargon, the turkey became ingrained as a cultural tradition over more than a century. It is intrinsically linked to bowling history and community. For legions of casual and competitive bowlers alike, successfully converting three strikes elicits visions of those first turkey recipients proudly hoisting their poultry prizes.
The turkey has woven itself into the very fabric of bowling tradition. Uttering the word immediately conjures imagery of bowling’s roots and the struggle to conquer the seldom-struck feat of three consecutive strikes. More than just peculiar terminology, the turkey represents the spirit of bowling’s storied past and the quest for bowling greatness.
Frequency of Entities:
turkey: 27
strikes: 16
bowling: 15
three: 10
consecutive: 5
term: 4
history: 3
tradition: 3
pins: 2
accomplishment: 2
lingo: 2
Is It Difficult To Bowl A Turkey?
Achieving three consecutive strikes in modern bowling is considerably more attainable than it was centuries ago. However, it should not be mistaken for a simple task, as it still requires skill and precision.
To achieve a turkey in bowling, follow these steps.
If you truly aspire to bowl a Turkey, your first step is to master the art of throwing a strike.
At the start, the key focus is mastering the technique of bowling a strike. Once you achieve mastery in this, you gain the ability to replicate it consistently.
Achieving this may prove challenging, especially for beginners. It’s unrealistic to expect to bowl a turkey overnight just by going bowling. Even if you possess exceptional talent, it’s highly improbable. If it does happen, it’s likely a mere fluke.
Achieving a Turkey in bowling requires time and dedication. As a beginner, it’s important to focus on gradually improving and aiming for a strike, rather than setting your sights on Turkey immediately. Remember, building your skills and technique should be the priority.
Once you have mastered the technique of a strike, you can then focus on repeating it multiple times to achieve the coveted feat of bowling a Turkey.
Step Three – Get Into The Right Position
Before you can begin consistently bowling strikes, it is crucial to determine the optimal position from which to initiate your approach.
To uncover your non-dominant foot, observe the foot that aligns with the opposite side of your bowling hand.
If you are holding the ball in your right hand while bowling, then your left foot will correspondingly be the one to consider.
Why is Three Strikes in a Row in Bowling Called a Turkey?
FAQ
Why is a strike called a turkey?
Why is it called a turkey?
Why are four strikes called a hambone?
What are 5 strikes in a row called?
Why does bowling a Turkey have three strikes in a row?
However, as bowling a strike became easier for people over time, prizes were set for multiple strikes in a row to make it harder for people to win prizes. Bowling a Turkey became the name for achieving three strikes in a row, while other bowling achievements achieved names of their own.
Why are 3 strikes called Turkey?
There are a few theories on why 3 strikes are called a turkey in bowling. One is that amateurs saw it as rare as winning an actual turkey. Another is that fans cheered “Turkey!” when the pros got 3 strikes. It also resembled getting 3-of-a-kind turkeys in card games. What are 5 strikes in a row called?
How many strikes in a row does a ham turkey have?
Bowling a Wild Turkey became synonymous with bowling 6 strikes in a row. Bowling a Ham-Turkey became synonymous with bowling 7 strikes in a row. Bowling an Octopus, as the number of legs suggests, became synonymous with bowling 8 strikes in a row. Bowling a Golden Turkey became synonymous with bowling 9 strikes in a row.
What is three consecutive strikes in Bowling called?
Simply put, three consecutive strikes in bowling is called a “turkey”. The word “turkey” is one of the most common bowling lingo used around bowlers all over the world. However, you will mostly see it common in the USA these days.