With lots of disparities in meaning and origin over the years, the word ‘shot’ as we know it gradually came into common use in the mid-20th century. The term ‘shot’ was also synonymous with ‘a charge to be paid at one time, with reference to paying one's share at a bar or pub. Other theories that circulate around the origins of the word ‘shot’ are that they were named after Friedrich Otto Schott, a glassmaker who made shot glasses in America. A British minister who lived from 1630 until 1702, around 150 years prior to The Old West time period. Its first recorded use as a ‘measure of liquor’ was in the autobiography of Rev. The word ‘shot’ over the years has taken on many meanings. You would, in fact, have had to have traded 10 bullets for 1 shot of whisky. It’s also key to note that at the time the price of a shot of whisky in comparison to the price of a bullet did not correlate at all. The word ‘shot’ dates back much further than the old west. The theory goes that the word ‘shot’ originated in saloons where a bullet would be traded for a shot of alcohol by the locals when they were short on cash.Īfter some fact-checking, it turns out that this is not the case at all. If you go on any internet search you will find the common misconception that the word ‘shot’ derives from the old west - a theory that populated our screens through an internet meme for many years. The word ‘shot’ has had various meanings over the years and targeting its beginnings to one specific time or person proves to be difficult. The epistemology of the word ‘shot’ is very interesting and often confused among internet users and historians alike. And thus became the shot culture as we know it. A marketing ploy by bartenders and pubs throughout the USA to enhance sales. A phenomenon from the late 50s and 60s cocktail era. A ‘shooter’ on the other hand will generally be a spirit mixed with something sweeter and come in all sorts of bright colours. A quick one-gulp ounce of spirit, which is usually taken as a side to a larger drink.
![take a shot of love take a shot of love](https://hallmark.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4b56113/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2214x1666+143+0/resize/1326x998!/quality/90/?url=http:%2F%2Fhallmark-channel-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F3b%2Fe4f2ec0447c3a6e11ec0b9728228%2Ftakingashotatlove-0126-rt.jpg)
A ‘shot’ generally refers to an ounce of straight spirit i.e tequila, vodka, Highland Boundary. In modern drinking times, a ‘shot’ means a small measure of alcohol. From its history dating back as early as the 1600s to now being part of many cultures around the world as a way of celebrating your friends, loved ones and honouring traditions. There’s so much more to be said about shot culture than that of a reckless, quick way to be inebriated.
Whether it’s to toast a close friend's birthday, as an aperitif before a meal, a quick chaser before heading out on the town to toasting at a wedding - shots have been a huge part of the way we consume alcohol for years. Love them or hate them, shots have been a part of drinking culture since the very beginning.