The expression “riding shotgun” is derived from “shotgun messenger”, a colloquial term for “express messenger”, when stagecoach travel was popular during the American Wild West and the Colonial period in Australia They went often as guards—”riding shotgun,” it was called—when the stage bore unusual treasure
When was the word shotgun first used?
shotgun (n) 1821, American English, from shot (n) in the sense of “lead in small pellets” (1770) + gun (n) As distinguished from a rifle, which fires bullets
What is a shotgun seat?
: the front passenger seat of a vehicle We blasted out of bayou country, Bernie behind the wheel, me in the shotgun seat—Oct 12, 2021
What is the meaning of the idiom riding shotgun?
Guard someone or something while in transit, as in The reporter found himself in the odd position of riding shotgun for an accused mobster This term alludes to the armed defender of a stagecoach who sat beside the driver to protect against marauders and bandits
Why is the passenger seat called the death seat?
The passenger seat next to the driver of an automotive vehicle [So called because this seat is said to be the most dangerous one in the event of an accident]
What is another word for shotgun?
blunderbuss, breechloader, culverin, fieldpiece, firelock, flintlock, harquebus (or arquebus),
What do you call shotgun?
informal North American Claim the right to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle on a particular journey ‘my girlfriend called shotgun, so I sat in the back seat’
What is the name of the seat next to the driver?
it is called a passenger seat passenger seat is on the left or right side of the driver seat
What does shotgun mean in slang?
(slang) The front passenger seat in a vehicle, next to the driver; so called because the position of the shotgun-armed guard on a horse-drawn stage-coach, wagon train, or gold transport was next to the driver on a forward-mounted bench seat I call shotgun! (I claim the right to sit in the passenger seat)
What does pins and needles mean?
on pins and needles : in a nervous or jumpy state of anticipation
What is the meaning of once in the blue moon?
Once in a blue moon: This poetic phrase refers to something extremely rare in occurrence A blue moon is the term commonly used for a second full moon that occasionally appears in a single month of our solar-based calendars
What is the safest place to sit in a car?
Car When traveling by car, the middle rear seat is the safest spot, especially for children This is because the rear middle seat is the furthest distance from a potential collision on either side of a vehicle This seat also offers a level of insulation if passengers are sitting on either side of you
Why is the seat behind the driver the safest?
The majority of crashes are frontal impact crashes Being in the center rear seat is most beneficial of the more rare but more dangerous side impact crashes Being in a rear-facing car seat is safer if the crash is front impact as the child’s head, neck and back are all being supported during the crash
What is the deadliest seat in a car?
One would think that the driver and front-seat passenger in a vehicle are at highest risk Surprisingly, those in the front might not be in the most dangerous position A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2019 determined that passengers in backseats may be at greater risk
What is an antiquated name for shotgun?
A blunderbuss is an old-fashioned shotgun with a flare at the end of its muzzle The blunderbuss was one of the most widely-used weapons from the 17th to the 19th centuries
Whats the opposite of shotgun?
Opposite of to persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats persuade aid allow assist
What is a fowling gun?
: a shotgun for shooting birds or small animals
What is a front seat?
a seat at the front of a vehicle, especially the one next to the driver
Why do you say shotgun for the front seat?
In the Wild West era of US history, a “shotgun guard” used to ride alongside a stagecoach driver as his protection, keeping a keen eye out for bandits and highwaymen When we call “shotgun” to secure the front seat, it’s a reference to that once-vital job
What does walking on needles mean?
to be very anxious or nervous because you are waiting to see if something happens the way you want it to
Who had the biggest hit of needles and pins?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers version (1985; live) Chart (1985) Peak position Canadian RPM Top Singles 85 South African Springbok Top 20 Top Singles 3 US Billboard Hot 100 37 US Billboard Album Rock Tracks 17
How does it feel to be numb?
Numbness describes a loss of sensation or feeling in a part of your body It is often also used to describe other changes in sensation, such as burning or a pins-and-needles feeling Numbness can occur along a single nerve on one side of the body, or it may occur symmetrically, on both sides of the body
What is the meaning of idiom a red letter day?
red-letter day A special occasion, as in When Jack comes home from his tour of duty, that’ll be a red-letter day This term alludes to the practice of marking feast days and other holy days in red on church calendars, dating from the 1400s [ c 1700]
What is the meaning of the idiom a bed of roses?
a situation or activity that is comfortable or easy
What is the meaning of the idiom bring home the bacon?
Definition of bring home the bacon : to earn the money that is needed to live He worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for his family
Should a car seat go behind the driver or passenger?
Install in the Backseat The car seat should always be installed in the back seat That is the safest spot for your baby If you can, put the car seat in the center seat If not, it is fine behind either the driver or passenger side
Do seat belts tighten in a crash?
Car seatbelts have the ability to extend and retract — you can lean forward easily while the belt stays fairly taut But in a collision, the belt will suddenly tighten up and hold you in place
Should carseats be in the middle or side?
The safest place for your child’s car seat is in the back seat, away from active air bags If you’re placing only one car seat in the back seat, install it in the center of the seat — if a good fit is possible Placing the car seat in the center minimizes the risk of injury during a crash