Learn about “calling Shotgun” in English. The term “shotgun” is used to claim the front passenger seat in a car.
When someone says, “I call shotgun,” they are asserting their right to sit in the front beside the driver. This practice is mainly used among friends and family and is an informal way to decide who gets the coveted front-seat passenger spot in the car.
Pro Tip: Make sure to call shotgun before anyone else does. Once someone else calls it, you can’t claim it again! 😉
The origins of Shotgun
The phrase has its roots in the Wild West of America. The term “shotgun” comes from “riding shotgun,” where a guard with a shotgun would sit beside the driver of a stagecoach to protect against bandits and outlaws. Nowadays, the term has evolved into a fun game among kids, friends, and family to decide who sits in the front seat. You don’t need a shotgun to play it. 😉
