SHOOTING BLANKS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "shooting blanks" refers to the act of a man ejaculating without producing any viable sperm. This phrase is typically used in colloquial language and is a euphemism for male infertility.
In a literal sense, "shooting blanks" means that a man's ejaculate does not contain sperm cells, rendering him unable to impregnate a partner naturally. This condition may be caused by various factors such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or blockages in the reproductive system. It is important to note that this term does not imply any judgment on a man's potency or virility, as infertility is a medical condition that can affect anyone.
Metaphorically, "shooting blanks" is sometimes employed as a figure of speech to describe a failed attempt or an ineffective action. It implies that the effort expended has yielded no meaningful result or impact. This idiomatic usage can be applied to various situations, from failed business endeavors to unsuccessful endeavors in personal relationships or even empty promises.
Overall, "shooting blanks" is a term primarily associated with male infertility but can also be used metaphorically to describe an unsuccessful or ineffective action.
Common Misspellings for SHOOTING BLANKS
- ahooting blanks
- zhooting blanks
- xhooting blanks
- dhooting blanks
- ehooting blanks
- whooting blanks
- sgooting blanks
- sbooting blanks
- snooting blanks
- sjooting blanks
- suooting blanks
- syooting blanks
- shioting blanks
- shkoting blanks
- shloting blanks
Etymology of SHOOTING BLANKS
The phrase "shooting blanks" is a colloquial expression used metaphorically to describe a man's inability to ejaculate sperm during sexual intercourse or, more broadly, his inability to conceive a child. It originated in the mid-20th century and draws upon the use of "shooting" as a metaphor for ejaculating and "blanks" as a reference to empty or ineffective ammunition.
The word "shooting" in this context is derived from the action of shooting a gun, which involves propelling a bullet or ammunition out of the barrel. The verb "shoot" has been associated with projectile motion since the 16th century.
"Blanks" are cartridges or rounds that do not contain a bullet or shot. They are often used in training, performance, or ceremonial events when the discharge of a firearm is necessary, but without the actual projectile.
