This is thought to have its origins in bowling tournament prizes. Prizes from these tournaments in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries were frequently food-related, like a big ham or a basket full of groceries.
Particularly around Thanksgiving in the United States, turkeys became common prizes. It was decided at some point (the exact first instance is unknown) that anyone who could bowl three strikes in a row would receive a turkey from the tournament. This practice spread and eventually embedded itself in common bowling vernacular, long after giving away actual turkeys stopped.
When a person bowls three strikes in a row, they give away a turkey, so you might be wondering how the people who organize the tournaments make any money at all, let alone prizes for other achievements. After all, even total novices can occasionally accomplish that feat, and proficient people can do so fairly frequently.
However, because they lacked the refined, immaculate lanes that we are accustomed to today, bowling three strikes in a row was exceedingly difficult to accomplish in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Additionally, the bowling balls tended not to be well-balanced; the pins were manually set up, sometimes unevenly; and the tournament organizers frequently employed ruses to make the pins more difficult to knock down, like placing weight in the bottoms of the pins. So even for very skilled bowlers, it was very difficult to bowl three strikes in a row.
Though the use of these terms isn’t nearly as widespread as with a “Turkey,” new names have been developed to account for the strike-bloat, as it is now somewhat more common to hit three strikes or more in a row. ”.
Generally speaking, you can call them a “four bagger,” “five bagger,” etc. if you can’t recall these names but still want to sound knowledgeable. for four and five strikes in a row and beyond.
This all might have you wondering why the turkey itself (the bird) is called a turkey. When North American turkeys were first brought in large quantities to Europe in the sixteenth century, another bird known as a guinea fowl was also widely imported throughout Europe and, most importantly for this discussion, England.
This guinea fowl was imported from Madagascar via the Ottoman Empire. The merchants who imported the guinea fowl were thus known as “turkey merchants. The guinea fowl eventually became known as “turkey fowl,” much as other products imported through the Ottoman Empire came to be known by names like “turkey corn,” “turkey wheat,” and so on.
Early in the sixteenth century, the North American turkey was first brought to Spain, and soon after, it spread throughout all of Europe. The animal started out being referred to in English as a “turkey fowl” because many people believed it to be a species of guinea fowl that had been imported through the Ottoman Empire. Eventually, this term was shortened to just “turkey.” ”.
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Hey there, bowling enthusiasts and curious minds! Ever wondered why knocking down all those pins in a row is called “bowling a turkey”? It’s not as literal as it sounds trust me. Let’s dive into the fascinating history behind this peculiar bowling lingo.
From Ancient Tombs to Modern Lanes: A Bowling Journey
Bowling, believe it or not, dates back to 3200 BC! Archaeologists have unearthed ancient bowling pins in tombs, and even Egyptian hieroglyphics depict a game eerily similar to modern-day bowling. Talk about a timeless sport!
The Lingo Game: Bowling’s Colorful Vocabulary
Over the centuries, bowling has developed a unique vocabulary that’s as colorful as the bowling balls themselves. From “sour apples” to “brooklyns,” “greek churches” to “chicken wings,” and “buckets” to “boomers,” bowlers are definitely not lacking in the lingo department.
The Mystery of the “Turkey”
But among all these quirky terms, “bowling a turkey” stands out. Don’t worry, you won’t find any feathered friends strutting across your lane. So, what’s the deal with this “turkey” business?
A Historical Prize: From Food Baskets to Feathered Glory
Back in the 1700s and early 1800s, bowling tournaments were all the rage. And what did the victors receive? Gift baskets filled with delicious goodies, often including a coveted ham or, you guessed it, a turkey!
The Evolution of a Bowling Term
As bowling evolved and strikes became easier to achieve, prizes were awarded for multiple strikes in a row. Bowling a turkey became synonymous with three strikes in a row, while other achievements earned their own names:
- Hambone: 4 consecutive strikes
- Wild Turkey: 6 consecutive strikes
- Golden Turkey: 9 consecutive strikes
- Dinosaur: A perfect game (12 strikes)
From Rough Lanes to Modern Marvels
Back in the old days, bowling lanes were far from the smooth, well-oiled surfaces we see today. They were often rough and uneven, with pins placed by hand and not perfectly spaced. Even the bowling balls were less balanced, making it harder to consistently knock down those pins.
Bowling a Turkey Today: Easier Than Ever
With modern technology and improved facilities, bowling a turkey is much more achievable. But that doesn’t mean it’s a piece of cake! It still requires skill, practice, and a bit of luck.
Ready to Bowl a Turkey?
Head over to Richmond 40 Bowl, your friendly neighborhood bowling alley in Richmond, Indiana. We offer open bowling hours, bowling lessons, and bowling leagues to help you hone your skills and maybe even bowl a turkey or two!
Remember: Practice makes perfect, so come on down and let’s get those pins flying!