COLD TURKEY Meaning and
Definition
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Cold turkey is a colloquial expression often used to describe a sudden and complete cessation of a habit or addiction. It refers to the abrupt abandonment of a behavior or substance without any gradual reduction or weaning off process. Originally associated with the sudden withdrawal symptoms experienced by individuals attempting to quit narcotics or drugs, the term has now extended to all sorts of addictions or habits, including smoking, overeating, gambling, and excessive use of technology, among others.
To quit cold turkey means to stop completely and immediately, without any prior planning or methodical approach. It involves a radical change and requires a strong determination and commitment to abstain from the addictive behavior or substance. The term "cold turkey" implies an analogy to the unappetizing, bland, and uncomfortable nature of abruptly quitting, much like consuming plain, uncooked turkey without any spices or seasoning, which is considered unenjoyable.
Quitting cold turkey can expose individuals to withdrawal symptoms, which can vary in intensity depending on the specific habit being quit. It can lead to physical and psychological discomfort, including irritability, restlessness, cravings, anxiety, insomnia, and sometimes even more severe symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and tremors. The immediate cessation of a habit or addiction is believed to be a more challenging approach, but it can be effective for those individuals who prefer a decisive break and thrive on the sense of accomplishment it brings.
Common Misspellings for COLD TURKEY
- xold turkey
- vold turkey
- fold turkey
- dold turkey
- cild turkey
- ckld turkey
- clld turkey
- cpld turkey
- c0ld turkey
- c9ld turkey
- cokd turkey
- copd turkey
- cood turkey
- cols turkey
- colx turkey
- colc turkey
- colf turkey
- colr turkey
- cole turkey
Etymology of COLD TURKEY
The origin of the phrase "cold turkey" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in America. "Cold turkey" is used to describe the sudden and complete withdrawal from a drug or substance addiction, particularly referring to the physical and mental discomfort that may accompany it.
One popular theory suggests that the term comes from the physical appearance of a person going through withdrawal. When someone abruptly stops using drugs, particularly opioids, their skin often becomes pale, cold, and covered in goosebumps, resembling the uncooked flesh of a plucked turkey. Thus, the term "cold turkey" was coined to describe the harsh and uncomfortable nature of withdrawal.
Another theory links the phrase to a slang expression used among addicts in the 1920s. "Turkey" was used to refer to an easily acquired and affordable substance, like cheap alcohol or drugs.
Idioms with the word COLD TURKEY
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quit (something) cold turkey
The idiom "quit (something) cold turkey" means to abruptly stop or give up a habit or addiction without any gradual reduction or preparation. It suggests quitting completely and immediately, without relying on tapering off or using any substitutes or aids.
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go cold turkey
The idiom "go cold turkey" refers to the act of abruptly and completely stopping a particular habit or addiction, particularly pertaining to drugs or harmful behaviors. It involves giving up the habit without any gradual reduction or assistance.
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kick cold turkey
The idiom "kick cold turkey" refers to abruptly stopping a habit or addiction without any gradual reduction or assistance. It typically implies quitting something completely and immediately.
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cold turkey
To quit or give up something abruptly and completely, usually referring to a substance or addiction.
Similar spelling words for COLD TURKEY
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