The phrase “cold turkey” has nothing to do with a turkey
COLD TURKEY is quite a popular phrase but its meaning has no connection to the large bird in the genus Meleagris.
It is actually an idiomatic expression, which is a type of informal language that has a meaning different from the meaning of the words in it. People usually use this kind of phrase to style a sentence.
The phrase cold turkey means that you are giving up something abruptly and completely, like quitting smoking or drinking in just an instance or turning your back from a bad habit without thinking twice.
You may wonder why the turkey is involved in this. There are many theories behind this phrase or idiomatic expression. Based on the article in Treehugger, Merriam-Webster stated that the phrase was first found in the British Columbia newspaper The Daily Columnist in 1921.
Perhaps the most pitiful figures who have appeared before Dr. Carleton Simon … are those who voluntarily surrender themselves. When they go before him, that are given what is called the ‘cold turkey’ treatment.
A year before that, in 1920, a cartoon used this phrase. However, a decade before that, someone said he lost “$5,000 cold turkey” after he gambled and lost. These uses of phrases have nothing to do with quitting.
Theories
One theory is pointed at the look of turkey flesh. People experiencing withdrawal symptoms get cold, clammy flesh, and goosebumps. With this, their skin resembles the skin of a plucked turkey. However, the first uses were not connected to stopping an addiction, and because of this, this is probably not the origin.
Another theory involved quickness in which a meal was made with cold turkey. Everything can be put together since there’s no cooking involved. This phrase is said to be a “metaphor for something done speedily and decisively.” This theory seemed to be not the right answer as well. This is because there are other foods that can be put together quickly than the turkey meal.
Another theory has involved other phrase using turkey like “talking turkey” or “talking cold turkey” which means to speak plainly, and bluntly and get directly to the point without any nonsense.