SHOTGUN WEDDING Meaning and
Definition
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A shotgun wedding is a colloquial expression referring to a hasty and unplanned wedding that occurs as a result of an unexpected pregnancy. The term is rooted in the idea that when a woman becomes pregnant out of wedlock, her family may resort to using a shotgun or the threat of violence to ensure that the father of the child marries her promptly. It implies that the couple might not have chosen to marry under normal circumstances, but are compelled to do so due to extenuating circumstances.
The phrase "shotgun wedding" gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century but continues to be used in modern times. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of choice or free will in the decision to marry. It can also indicate that the couple may not have had a strong or established relationship prior to the pregnancy.
Overall, a shotgun wedding is typically associated with a rushed, possibly unwilling, and potentially loveless union, where the primary motivation to marry is the impending birth of a child. However, it is important to note that the term is now more commonly used metaphorically to describe any hastily or poorly planned wedding, even if not directly linked to a pregnancy.
Common Misspellings for SHOTGUN WEDDING
- ahotgun wedding
- zhotgun wedding
- xhotgun wedding
- dhotgun wedding
- ehotgun wedding
- whotgun wedding
- sgotgun wedding
- sbotgun wedding
- snotgun wedding
- sjotgun wedding
- suotgun wedding
- syotgun wedding
- shitgun wedding
- shktgun wedding
- shltgun wedding
- shptgun wedding
- sh0tgun wedding
- sh9tgun wedding
- shorgun wedding
- shofgun wedding
Etymology of SHOTGUN WEDDING
The term "shotgun wedding" originated in the United States around the early 20th century. It combines two components: "shotgun" and "wedding".
1. Shotgun: The word "shotgun" refers to a type of firearm traditionally used for hunting, protection, and warfare. It is a smoothbore weapon, designed to fire shots or small metal projectiles over short distances. In the context of a shotgun wedding, the term represents a metaphorical threat or coercive force suggesting that a couple is compelled to marry due to unplanned pregnancy.
2. Wedding: The term "wedding" refers to the formal ceremony where two individuals enter into a legally recognized marital union.
The concept of a shotgun wedding arose from the notion that when a man impregnated a woman out of wedlock, her family would often resort to using threats or social pressure to force him into marrying her.
Idioms with the word SHOTGUN WEDDING
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a shotgun wedding
A "shotgun wedding" is an idiom that refers to a situation where two people are forced or compelled to get married quickly, often due to an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. It implies that the couple does not have much choice or time to consider their decision and are typically urged to marry by their families or societal pressures. The term originates from the old practice of a father or family member using a shotgun to intimidate or force a man to marry a woman he impregnated.
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shotgun wedding
A shotgun wedding is a forced or hastily arranged marriage, typically due to an unplanned pregnancy or other urgent circumstances.
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