Discussion » Questions » Language » What does the phrase "Quit cold turkey" mean? Why not "Quit melted butter" or some other silly phrase?
Element 99

What does the phrase "Quit cold turkey" mean? Why not "Quit melted butter" or some other silly phrase?

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Posted - February 26, 2018
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Responses


  • 666
    If I had to guess?
    When I think of cold turkey I think of a very plain, dry tasting meat that's very chewy and hard to swallow.
    To me when they say "Cold turkey" they mean that you quit all together. Life is plain, dry, cold and hard to swallow without your alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, junk food or whatever that you're used to.
    It's like just eating cold turkey. : )
      February 26, 2018 2:30 PM MST
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  • 44603
    You are a genius. Marry me.
      February 26, 2018 2:31 PM MST
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  • 666
    Thank you. Umm....
    I like you too much to marry you my friend. : )
      February 26, 2018 2:34 PM MST
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  • "Giving up turkey leftovers."
      February 26, 2018 2:31 PM MST
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  • 5354
    I come from the 'goosbumps' on the skin of a turkey that have been baked and cooled down, A very 'quick meal of leftovers'

    Opiate addicts get similar bumps on their skin for a while when they "quit cold tyrkey" (here un DK we call it "taking a cold Turk". Same origin ) This post was edited by JakobA the unAmerican. at February 26, 2018 3:28 PM MST
      February 26, 2018 3:13 PM MST
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  • 17592
    You know what it means.  But where did it come from?

    From the unreliable wiki:  "Cold turkey" refers to the abrupt cessation of a substance dependence and the resulting unpleasant experience, as opposed to gradually easing the process through reduction over time or by using replacement medication. The term comes from the piloerection or "goose bumps" that occurs with abrupt withdrawal from opioids, which resembles the skin of a plucked refrigerated turkey.[1][2]
      February 26, 2018 3:21 PM MST
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  • 7280
    That is interesting.
      February 26, 2018 4:50 PM MST
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  • 17592
    I just copied and pasted.  It may or may not really be the origin.  I've heard it all of my life.
      February 26, 2018 10:30 PM MST
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  • 7280
    Even if it is not true, I would still mention it as a possibility and let someone else track it down. This post was edited by tom jackson at February 28, 2018 4:28 PM MST
      February 28, 2018 4:20 PM MST
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  • 5835
    I dunno, I guess we'll just have to vote on that one.
      February 27, 2018 4:23 AM MST
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  • 22891
    quitting all at one time instead of doing it slowly
      February 28, 2018 4:28 PM MST
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