Riding Shotgun: Where Did This Phrase Come From?

Who hasn’t called “shotgun” to snag the front seat from a sibling or a friend? 

Most people are familiar with what this phrase means. But did you know that the phrase has a captivating backstory that stretches back to 160 years ago? 

Where Did the Phrase “Riding Shotgun” Come From? 

“Riding shotgun” is a common phrase that originated in the American stagecoach era.

Back in the early 1700s, stagecoaches were widely used in the eastern and southern U.S. These traveled around established routes, making traveling easy and simple.

In the populated west, the situation was different. Roads weren’t that safe, and travelers always feared that they would be attacked by wild animals or robbers.

To keep their trips safe, they sometimes assigned a guard to sit next to the driver. Shotguns were often the weapon of choice, so the term “riding shotgun” was derived from this practice. Because of their choice of weapon, these guards were also called shotgun messengers. They typically used a 10-gauge or 12-gauge break-action shotgun, but could also use rifles. 

How Is “Riding Shotgun” Used?

Nowadays, riding shotgun is a term that’s used in a game when a group of friends rushes into a car. The first one who calls out “shotgun” when everyone sees the vehicle gets to ride in the passenger seat, which is typically the most desirable seat in the vehicle for a wide range of reasons. This game is a quick and decisive way to decide who gets the seat without much quarrel.

Early Newspaper and Movie References

Although the phrase “riding shotgun” came from the stagecoach era, the phrase was not used during that time. So when did this phrase become commonplace?

One of the first newspapers to use the phrase “riding shotgun” is The Ogden (Utah) Examiner.  It was in an article titled Ross Will Again Ride Shotgun on Old Stage Coach published sometime in May 1919.

The term “riding shotgun” was also mentioned in some western movies during the 1930s to 1950s.

In the movie Stagecoach (1939), Marshall Curly Wilcox said, “You boys take care of the office for a couple of days. I’m going to Lordsburg with Buck. I’m gonna ride shotgun.”

The phrase soon became a popular idiomatic expression. There’s even a 1954 movie titled Riding Shotgun, which featured the life of a stagecoach guard in the Old West.

Why Do People Like to Sit In the Front Seat of a Car

Here are some of the common reasons why people like to call shotgun:

Get a Clear and Panoramic View of the Road

One of the reasons why people like to call shotgun is that the front seat allows an obstructed view of the road. People who want to enjoy the surroundings while on a trip will most likely prefer the front seat next to the driver.

Feel a Sense of Control

Some people like sitting in the front passenger seat because it gives them some semblance of control. Although they’re not driving, they can communicate with the driver better and be involved in decisions like where to stop and which routes to take.

Travel in Comfort

The front seat usually has more legroom than the backseat, allowing the passenger to stretch their legs comfortably. Front passenger seats typically have better lumbar support and adjustable settings, allowing the passenger to adjust their position according to their preference.

Avoid Motion Sickness

It’s more common for individuals to experience motion sickness in the rear seat due to limited visual cues and sensations. Being blocked by the seats in front of you creates a disconnect between what you see and what you feel in terms of the car’s movement.

Although you can look sideways, the front passenger seat offers a better viewpoint and perspective. To avoid motion sickness, experts advise sitting in the front seat.

Other Driving-Related Colloquial Phrases

Here are other interesting phrases related to driving:

“Dibs on the front seat!

Like the phrase “riding shotgun”, the word “dibs” can also be used to claim the front seat. The word can also be used to claim the last slice of pizza or the last piece of candy in a bowl.

The term “dib” was used in England as early as the 1800s. At the time, it was used to refer to the knucklebone of sheep used by adolescent kids as game pieces. When knucklebones weren’t available, they used dibstones instead.

The connection between the game and the modern use of the word “dibs” remains somewhat unclear. And the specific rules of the game aren’t widely known. However, it is believed that players claimed game pieces by shouting the word “dibs.”

“You’re Rubbernecking!”

Rubbernecking is a term used to describe drivers who take their eyes off the road to look at something out of curiosity. It’s common for drivers to rubberneck when they see an accident on the road or an arrest.

The term originated in the 1800s. It was used to describe the act of turning one’s head to eavesdrop.

“Put the pedal to the metal.”

This idiomatic expression is used to express the act of doing something very quickly. In the context of driving, it can also mean speeding up or driving at full speed. The phrase became popular in the mid-20th century in car culture and racing.