Where does the saying "cold turkey" come from?


The idiom "cold turkey" derives from another idiom, "talking cold turkey" or "talking turkey." "Cold turkey" refers to abruptly stopping or starting a certain action, especially abruptly withdrawing from drug use.

"Talking turkey" means speaking plainly and frankly about a topic without any embellishments. "Cold turkey" follows in the same vein, as it entails stopping or starting an activity in a sudden and direct manner without any preparation or assistance.

Another possible derivation of the phrase is a reference to the similarity in appearance of a turkey's skin and the skin of a person withdrawing from drugs. Pale, clammy skin that is covered in goosebumps characterizes both.

Q&A Related to "Where does the saying "cold turkey" come from?"
The term 'cold turkey' originated in a Canadian newspaper in 1921. It
Effects When the gelling agent and water in cold packs mix, they produce an endothermic chemical reaction, through which heat is absorbed and cold is produced. Function Cold packs
I think it is an old saying that illustrates abject poverty. Job was a man in the Bible who lost everything he had. This was to test his commitment to God. If Job lost everything,
I heard it came from addicts getting chills and goosebumps while going through withdrawal. Their arms look like a plucked turkey.(or goose. LOL) Source(s): "The above is my official