“Cold turkey” means to quit something abruptly without preparation. It is often used in the context of drug addiction, but can also refer to direct communication. The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it may come from “talk about turkey,” a slang term for getting to work quickly. Quitting cold turkey can be effective for some, but can also lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
The term “cold turkey” is an American idiom meaning “to surrender instantly” or “to speak clearly.” Most people use the term in the sense of quitting drugs, with the cold turkey approach being a method to be used in an attempt to beat a drug addiction. Quitting cold turkey is definitely not for everyone, as withdrawal symptoms can be very severe, since no dosage reduction is involved. In fact, in some cases abrupt cessation of drug use can lead to death from systemic shock.
This term appears to have emerged around 1920. There are a number of theories as to its origins. Some say the idiom is a literal reference to cold turkey, a dish that is served as-is, without any preparation or discussion. Others have suggested that the term refers to the appearance of people who are struggling with withdrawal, since people tend to turn pale and covered in goosebumps, exactly like a piece of cold turkey.
However, the origins of this idiom are actually much less fanciful. It comes from “talk about turkey”, an old slang term used to describe getting to work without bullying or messing around. No one is really sure why turkeys have been associated with getting to the point quickly, although it may have something to do with the fact that the turkey is an icon of the puritanical lifestyle, which was supposedly plain and simple .
When someone goes cold turkey, he or she drops a habit immediately, without any preparation or curbing. Some people find this method very effective for treating drug abuse, while others believe it can lead to relapse, as people are not gradually encouraged to stop. One benefit of quitting cold turkey is that it requires no preparation, meaning someone can wake up one morning and decide to quit there and then, as opposed to someone who embarks on a lengthy treatment plan, which can lead to to a loss of motivation for time.
Some people also use “cold turkey” in the same sense as “talking turkey,” meaning a simple, clear, and to the point conversation. In both senses, the idiom is associated with directness and a desire to get it over with quickly. In some regions of the United States, clarity and simplicity in communications are highly valued, with people actively encouraged to talk turkey rather than dance around a point.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
