Monday, July 26, 2010

Shooting the Bull in the Bullpen

Chances are that most people have used the phrase “shooting the bull” or the word “bullpen” in their everyday conversations. If so, then thanks. Durham sure appreciates the coverage.

Confused? Well, both of these phrases originated in Durham and they are globally used today with few understanding the origin. Here’s a primer:

Shoot(ing) the Bull

It’s an odd phrase that people use to mean having a conversation to pass the time, since on the surface, it seems a tad violent. In fact, it refers to the act of spitting while chewing (Bull Durham) tobacco – the act of “shooting” the Bull was done often while in conversation.

Bull Pen

This one is actually derived from the placement of an advertisement. For years, Bull Durham Tobacco had an advertisement in Yankee Stadium behind the pitcher’s warm up pen. After a few years, announcers began calling it the Bull Pen…the rest is, ah, history.


So, there you have it. Go forth and repeat.

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