Calling shotgun
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In North America, there is a longstanding tradition — especially among teenagers and young adults — of determining who gets to sit in the seat next to the driver of a motor vehicle. In order to claim that seat, one must "call shotgun" according to a set of standard rules. The seat next to the driver is called shotgun in remembrance of those men that rode on stage coaches next to the driver with a shotgun to protect the stage from banditos (highwaymen), literally "riding shotgun." Today, many passengers consider the front passenger seat to be preferable to riding in rear seats due largely to greater control over leg room, an unobstructed view out the windshield, and better access to the vehicle's radio.
To call shotgun is to, at minimum, yell out "shotgun" while approaching the vehicle. In some groups, yelling "shotty" is also acceptable and equivalent. The specific rules are the subject of much heated but good-natured debate, and a number of websites claim to have the official rules.
'Calling shotgun' is also done in situations other than driving a vehicle in which order is important. For example, when playing a console game, it is typical for the loser of the round to give up his controller; the next person to play is the one who called shotgun.
In certain regions the term is called "next".
See also
- Shotgun (cannabis) - see: 'Determining smoking order'.
External links
- The Official Shotgun Rules (http://www.shotgunrules.com/)
- What's the origin of "riding shotgun"? (http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mrideshotgun.html) (from the Straight Dope)
- GunRiders.com (http://www.gunriders.com)