DRUGSTORE COWBOY Meaning and
Definition
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Drugstore cowboy is a slang term that refers to an individual, often a man, who is addicted to or heavily dependent on prescription drugs but obtains them illegally, typically through forged prescriptions or by purchasing them on the black market. This term is primarily used in North America and originated during the 1970s, reflecting the prevailing drug culture at the time.
A drugstore cowboy operates under the façade of a law-abiding citizen, engaging in activities that allow them to maintain their drug addiction without arousing suspicion. The term "drugstore" refers to their reliance on pharmaceutical substances as the primary source of their addiction, while "cowboy" implies a sense of recklessness and risk-taking behavior associated with obtaining and using illegal drugs.
This term can also describe an individual who habitually frequents drugstores or pharmacies with the intention of stealing or shoplifting prescription medications. In this context, the motives may extend beyond addiction to include financial gain or redistribution of drugs to others.
Characteristics often associated with drugstore cowboys include a disregard for legal and ethical standards, constant pursuit of drugs and money, deception and manipulation to acquire drugs, and a willingness to engage in illegal activities to maintain their addiction. The term conveys a negative and derogatory tone, highlighting the destructive nature of drug addiction and the illegal activities undertaken to sustain it.
Common Misspellings for DRUGSTORE COWBOY
- srugstore cowboy
- xrugstore cowboy
- crugstore cowboy
- frugstore cowboy
- rrugstore cowboy
- erugstore cowboy
- deugstore cowboy
- ddugstore cowboy
- dfugstore cowboy
- dtugstore cowboy
- d5ugstore cowboy
- d4ugstore cowboy
- drygstore cowboy
- drhgstore cowboy
- drjgstore cowboy
- drigstore cowboy
- dr8gstore cowboy
- dr7gstore cowboy
- drufstore cowboy
- druvstore cowboy
Etymology of DRUGSTORE COWBOY
The term "drugstore cowboy" can be traced back to American slang from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combines the words "drugstore" and "cowboy" to create a metaphorical phrase. Here's a breakdown of the etymology:
1. Drugstore: A drugstore refers to a retail establishment where pharmaceutical drugs and other goods are sold. In the context of the phrase, "drugstore" represents a place where one can easily find and obtain drugs, whether legally or illegally.
2. Cowboy: The term "cowboy" originally referred to the workers who herded cattle in the American West during the late 19th century. Over time, it became associated with a certain romanticized image of a reckless, adventurous, and independent individual.
Idioms with the word DRUGSTORE COWBOY
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drugstore cowboy
A "drugstore cowboy" refers to someone who dresses and acts like a cowboy, but has no real experience or skills related to ranching or cowboy activities. It is often used to describe someone who is pretending to be something they are not, especially in terms of toughness or bravado.
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