The word "drugstore cowboy" is spelled as it sounds, with the IPA phonetic transcription being /ˈdrʌɡˌstɔr ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ/. The first part, "drugstore," is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a hard "g." The second part, "cowboy," is pronounced with a diphthong ("ow") and a soft "b." This term is often used to describe someone who wears cowboy attire but is not a real cowboy, and can also refer to someone who pretends to know about drugs without actually being involved in the drug trade.
Drugstore cowboy is a slang term that refers to an individual, often a man, who is addicted to or heavily dependent on prescription drugs but obtains them illegally, typically through forged prescriptions or by purchasing them on the black market. This term is primarily used in North America and originated during the 1970s, reflecting the prevailing drug culture at the time.
A drugstore cowboy operates under the façade of a law-abiding citizen, engaging in activities that allow them to maintain their drug addiction without arousing suspicion. The term "drugstore" refers to their reliance on pharmaceutical substances as the primary source of their addiction, while "cowboy" implies a sense of recklessness and risk-taking behavior associated with obtaining and using illegal drugs.
This term can also describe an individual who habitually frequents drugstores or pharmacies with the intention of stealing or shoplifting prescription medications. In this context, the motives may extend beyond addiction to include financial gain or redistribution of drugs to others.
Characteristics often associated with drugstore cowboys include a disregard for legal and ethical standards, constant pursuit of drugs and money, deception and manipulation to acquire drugs, and a willingness to engage in illegal activities to maintain their addiction. The term conveys a negative and derogatory tone, highlighting the destructive nature of drug addiction and the illegal activities undertaken to sustain it.
The term "drugstore cowboy" can be traced back to American slang from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combines the words "drugstore" and "cowboy" to create a metaphorical phrase. Here's a breakdown of the etymology:
1. Drugstore: A drugstore refers to a retail establishment where pharmaceutical drugs and other goods are sold. In the context of the phrase, "drugstore" represents a place where one can easily find and obtain drugs, whether legally or illegally.
2. Cowboy: The term "cowboy" originally referred to the workers who herded cattle in the American West during the late 19th century. Over time, it became associated with a certain romanticized image of a reckless, adventurous, and independent individual.