The phrase “talking turkey” refers to speaking frankly, clearly, and getting straight to the point. But where did this American colloquialism come from? There are a few theories on the origin of this term.
Early Colonial Settlements
One possible source dates back to the early 1600s and the early English colonial settlements. During this time, there was thriving trade between the English settlers and Native Americans. This included the trade of food and goods, one of the most common being wild turkeys which were abundant in the area. When negotiating prices, the English settlers would have to “talk turkey” or discuss plainly what they were willing to barter for the turkeys.
Relations Between Colonists and Native Americans
Another theory points to relations and treaties between American colonists and Native Americans in the 1700s. Complex negotiations and communications barriers meant both sides had to make efforts to speak plainly and directly to avoid misunderstandings. This candid diplomacy was likened to “talking turkey”.
Presidential Legend
There is also a legend about the phrase coming from President Truman. As the story goes, Truman was dining with then Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn and some journalists. Truman was dissatisfied with the informal and evasive talk at the gathering. He said they should “talk turkey” and get down to serious business. This legend has not been substantiated but is commonly cited.
Early Print References
The first documented uses of the phrase “talk turkey” can be found in print in the early 1800s. One early example is in the text Narrative of Col. Robert Campbell from 1816 which reads:
“I know’d well enough what they wanted; so I talked turkey to them.”
This provides evidence of the phrase already being established at this time. But the origins likely date back even earlier to colonial interactions in the 1600s.
Wild vs. Domesticated Turkeys
There are also debates around whether “talking turkey” refers to wild turkeys or domesticated ones. Wild turkeys are native to North America and were an important food source to Native Americans and colonists. Domesticated turkeys were imported from Europe later on. So it’s possible the saying originated with negotiations around wild turkeys but became associated with regular farmed turkeys over time.
Turkey as a Metaphor
The turkey has significance as being native to America and a centerpiece of Thanksgiving traditions. So beyond being an important food source, the turkey is a metaphor for plain and earnest talk. Other fowl don’t have quite the same metaphorical meaning. So both the literal story of trading turkeys and their symbolic importance likely contributed to turkey becoming the bird of choice in the phrase “talking turkey”.
Other Theories
There are some other minor theories about the phrase’s origin as well. One suggests it comes from Turkey, Texas where plain talking was required to do business. The lack of any good historical evidence makes this unlikely. Another links it to cold weather making people short-tempered and frank. Or that turkey meat’s leanness results in direct talk. But most sources point to colonial trade and diplomacy as the probable genesis.
Evolution of Meaning
While “talking turkey” originally denoted frank and earnest talk, the meaning has evolved somewhat over time. Today it can also imply an element of confrontation and harsh truth. For example saying “We need to talk turkey about your performance” indicates a tough, candid discussion is ahead. The phrase is also sometimes used cynically when plain talk is not actually happening.
Regional Variations
“Talking turkey” is used across the United States but other regions have variations. In parts of the South and Appalachia people may say “talking cold turkey” with the same meaning. The “cold” emphasizes the plainness and lack of embellishment. Irish English prefers “talking horse sense” or draff (coarse feed for cattle). In the UK saying “talking Brussels sprouts” means frank talk.
Talk Turkey Day
National Talk Turkey Day is celebrated in the US on the fourth Thursday in October. The made up holiday encourages people to speak openly and plainly in all communication. So on this Talk Turkey Day, get together with friends and family and have earnest conversations about the things that really matter.
In Pop Culture
There are several examples of “talk turkey” being referenced in books, films, and songs including:
- The hit country song “Talk Turkey” by George Jones
- The line “Let’s talk turkey, shall we?” in the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
- The academic book Talking Turkey and Other Clichés We Say by Robert W. Wood
Talking Turkey Today
While the exact origin of the idiom may never be pinpointed, “talk turkey” remains a popular Americanism over 200 years later. It continues to convey the importance of direct, honest communication. In business, politics, relationships, and many other contexts, talking turkey without evasion or ambiguity can lead to better outcomes and understanding.
Conclusion
In summary, the most likely theories trace “talk turkey” back to early colonial relations and trade between settlers and Native Americans. The turkey was literally an item up for negotiation. But the phrase also caught on due to the larger connotations of the turkey as an American symbol of authenticity. Today “talking turkey” remains an engaging way to emphasize the need for frank talk and unvarnished truth in conversations.
