Cold Turkey | Phrase Definition, Origin & Examples

Interesting fact about Cold Turkey

The term ‘Cold Turkey’ first recorded appearance was in the early 20th century in a Canadian newspaper. The newspaper, ‘The Daily Colonist’, used it this way: “Perhaps the most pitiful figures who have appeared before Dr. Carleton Simon are those who voluntarily surrender themselves. When they go before him, they (drug addicts) are given what is called the ‘cold turkey’ treatment.” This refers to the pale, bumpy appearance of an addict’s skin during withdrawal, when blood is redirected to internal organs.