Let's Talk Turkey

Once the largest piece of china in a set, the “turkey platter” was the true centerpiece of the china cabinet. Goose was traditionally the more common holiday bird, so it wasn’t until after 1863—when Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday—that the term turkey platter really stuck and the central turkey motif became standard. Often status symbols of wealth and prosperity, these large and ornate platters were highly prized. And because they were only used once or twice a year, many have survived in excellent condition.

Speaking of turkey… did you know the name itself is actually a mislabeling?
Centuries ago, guinea fowl (native to Africa) were imported to Europe through Ottoman Turkish trade routes. European customers began calling them “turkey fowl” or “Turkish birds” simply because they arrived via Turkey—not because Turkey had anything to do with them.
Fast forward to explorers returning from the Americas with a big, impressive new bird and Europe collectively said, “Close enough—another turkey.”
So the turkey isn’t Turkish at all!

Whatever its origins, the word turkey has gobbled up a surprising number of meanings over the years:
🐦 Talk turkey
Speak plainly or negotiate seriously.
1800s America; supposedly from settlers dividing up a turkey after a hunt.
🐦 Cold turkey
To quit something suddenly and completely.
May refer to the pale, goose-pimpled look of withdrawal—similar to a plucked turkey.
🐦 Turkey (as an insult)
A foolish, worthless, or inept person.
Hollywood popularized it in the 1920s–50s:
“That movie was a turkey” = a flop.
🐦 Turkey shoot
An extremely easy target or one-sided competition.
From old rural contests where a tied or penned turkey was shot at—requiring very little skill.
🐦 “Turkey” (in bowling)
Three consecutive strikes.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, bowling alleys awarded actual turkeys as prizes during holiday tournaments. Rolling three strikes in a row earned you the bird.
🐦 Turkey trot
A lively ragtime dance of the 1910s—later used jokingly for a slow or awkward walk (because… well, turkeys).

One bird, many meanings — and now you’ve got the best story at the table.