The term “shot” of whiskey actually has an interesting origin rooted in the American Old West. Back in those days, cowboys and cowhands would often find themselves low on cash while spending time in saloons. However, they still craved a glass of whiskey to quench their thirst and relax after a long day of work. This is where the concept of exchanging a cartridge for a drink came into play.
In those times, a box of 45 cartridges for a six-gun would cost around 12 cents, which was the same price as a glass of whiskey. Imagine being a cowboy with limited funds, needing a drink to unwind, and having no money to spare. The resourceful cowhands found a solution by striking a deal with the bartender. They would offer a cartridge, which had a monetary value equivalent to a glass of whiskey, in exchange for a drink.
This practice soon became a common occurrence, and bartenders started accepting cartridges as a form of payment. The cowhands would simply “shoot” a cartridge over the bar counter, signaling their desire for a glass of whiskey. Hence, the term “shot” of whiskey was born. It became a familiar phrase used to describe this unique exchange between a cowhand and a bartender.
The term “shot” also carries a symbolic meaning. In the Old West, where life was often tough and dangerous, a shot from a gun could mean life or death. By offering a cartridge, which represented their ability to defend themselves, the cowhands were essentially trading a potential shot from their gun for a shot of whiskey. It was a way for them to momentarily let go of their worries and enjoy a moment of relaxation amidst the challenges they faced on a daily basis.
While this practice may seem peculiar to us now, it was a practical and creative solution for cowhands who found themselves in need of a drink but lacked the necessary funds. It's fascinating how language and cultural practices evolve over time, and the term “shot” of whiskey serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who lived in the American Old West.
So next time you order a shot of whiskey at a bar, take a moment to appreciate the historical significance and the story behind this popular term.