Talking Turkey

Talking Turkey

It’s Thanksgiving again. Time for turkey. Time to “talk turkey”.

Last year at this time, I blogged on a few Thanksgiving-related matters, including the phrase “Cold turkey” and its origins. This year, I thought I would dig in for a second helping of turkey.

Let’s “talk turkey”.

To “talk turkey” means to speak plainly and frankly; to get to the point; to get down to business; to speak with due respect for the other side.

One etymological theory for the phrase dates back to the US in or around 1837. A newspaper article at the time explained that the origin of the phrase related to the division of the spoils of a wild game hunting party. One hunter wanted to discuss the crow (the less valuable prize) while the other hunter wanted to “talk turkey”.

When talking turkey about cooking the bird this weekend, make sure to follow the advice of  Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams. When asked about the COVID-19 risks for Thanksgiving, he responded by advising that “We have to emphasize to cook the turkey well, because we do have other outbreaks at this time, usually Salmonella.”

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend. Stay safe. Be thankful for all of your blessings. Cook your turkey well (but don’t make it too dry).

Paul Trudelle

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