Why Do They Call Three Strikes in a Row a Turkey in Bowling?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Turkey

In the lively world of bowling, certain terms have become iconic, adding color and character to the game’s rich vocabulary. Among these, the phrase “turkey” stands out as a curious and memorable expression that often catches the attention of both newcomers and seasoned players alike. But why exactly do bowlers call it a turkey when someone scores three strikes in a row? The answer is steeped in history, tradition, and a bit of quirky cultural evolution.

Understanding why a turkey is associated with bowling opens a fascinating window into the sport’s past and the way language and customs intertwine. This term, seemingly unrelated to the game itself, has a story that reflects the social and competitive spirit of bowling through the decades. Exploring this phrase not only enhances our appreciation for the game but also reveals how sports terminology can carry unexpected meanings and origins.

As we delve deeper, you’ll discover how the term “turkey” evolved from a simple nickname to an enduring part of bowling lingo. Along the way, we’ll touch on the historical context, cultural influences, and the playful nature of bowling communities that helped cement this unique phrase in the sport’s lexicon. Get ready to uncover the intriguing tale behind one of bowling’s most beloved expressions.

Historical Origins of the Term “Turkey”

The term “turkey” in bowling is believed to have originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when bowling was gaining popularity in the United States. During this era, bowling alleys often held special events or tournaments around the Thanksgiving holiday, and prizes such as live turkeys were common rewards for high achievers. Achieving three consecutive strikes became associated with winning these prizes, and thus the term “turkey” was coined to describe this feat.

Another theory traces the term back to the 18th century, when “turkey” was a slang term used to denote something impressive or valuable. In this context, rolling three strikes in a row was considered a notable achievement, earning the nickname. This usage carried over into the sport, where the term stuck due to its catchy and memorable nature.

Significance of a Turkey in Bowling

In bowling, a “turkey” is specifically the accomplishment of rolling three consecutive strikes within a single game. This feat demonstrates a high level of skill, precision, and consistency. Understanding the significance of a turkey helps clarify why it has become a celebrated milestone among bowlers of all levels.

  • Skill demonstration: Achieving a turkey requires precise control over ball speed, angle, and spin.
  • Psychological boost: Securing three strikes in a row often boosts a player’s confidence mid-game.
  • Score impact: Three consecutive strikes dramatically increase a player’s score due to the scoring system’s strike bonuses.

How Scoring Works With a Turkey

In bowling, each strike not only scores ten points but also adds the points from the next two rolls. When a player rolls three strikes consecutively, the scoring multiplies, creating a significant boost.

Frame Roll 1 Roll 2 Score Calculation Cumulative Score
1 Strike (X) – 10 + 10 + 10 (next two rolls) 30
2 Strike (X) – 10 + 10 + (next roll) 60
3 Strike (X) – 10 + (next two rolls) 90+

This scoring mechanism shows how a turkey can quickly escalate a player’s score, often putting them in a strong position to win.

Common Variations and Related Terms

Bowling has developed a lexicon around consecutive strikes beyond just the turkey. These terms help players and spectators alike describe performance streaks during a game:

  • Hambone: Four consecutive strikes.
  • Yahtzee: Five consecutive strikes.
  • Six-pack: Six consecutive strikes.
  • Seven-bagger: Seven consecutive strikes.
  • Eight-bagger: Eight consecutive strikes.
  • Nine-bagger: Nine consecutive strikes.
  • Perfect Game: Twelve consecutive strikes, scoring 300 points.

These terms are often used colloquially and may vary by region or bowling community, but the turkey remains the most universally recognized term for three strikes in a row.

Why the Term Endures in Modern Bowling

Despite changes in bowling culture and technology, the term “turkey” continues to be an integral part of the sport’s vocabulary. Several factors contribute to its longevity:

  • Tradition: The term carries a nostalgic connection to bowling’s early days and its festive associations.
  • Simplicity: It is a short, catchy term that quickly communicates a significant accomplishment.
  • Community: Bowlers often celebrate turkeys as milestones, reinforcing the term’s use through social and competitive settings.
  • Media and Popular Culture: Frequent references in broadcasts, commentary, and bowling-related media help maintain the term’s visibility.

Together, these elements ensure that the turkey remains a meaningful and recognizable achievement in bowling for players and fans alike.

Origins of the Term “Turkey” in Bowling

The term “turkey” in bowling refers to the achievement of three consecutive strikes in a single game. This phrase has a rich historical background tied to both cultural practices and promotional events in the early days of the sport.

  • 19th to Early 20th Century Practices: In the late 1800s and early 1900s, bowling was a popular pastime during holiday seasons, particularly around Thanksgiving. Bowling alleys often held special events or contests during this time.
  • Promotional Giveaways: To encourage participation, bowling centers would award live turkeys or turkey-related prizes to players who managed to bowl three strikes in a row during these holiday tournaments.
  • Adoption of the Term: Over time, the association between the three consecutive strikes and the turkey prize became so ingrained that the term “turkey” was adopted into bowling lexicon as a synonym for this achievement.

This tradition helped embed the phrase into popular bowling culture, persisting even after the original practice of awarding turkeys ceased.

Why Three Strikes Are Special in Bowling

Achieving three strikes consecutively is notable for several reasons related to scoring, difficulty, and gameplay rhythm:

  • Scoring Advantage: In ten-pin bowling, a strike scores 10 points plus the total of the next two rolls. When strikes occur consecutively, this bonus accumulates exponentially, significantly increasing the player’s total.
  • Skill Indicator: Bowling a strike requires precise accuracy, control, and understanding of lane conditions. Securing three in a row demonstrates a high level of skill and consistency.
  • Psychological Momentum: Striking consecutively often boosts a bowler’s confidence and disrupts opponents’ focus, influencing the competitive atmosphere.

The rarity and impact of three strikes in succession make the term “turkey” a fitting and memorable descriptor.

Historical Context and Cultural Influence

The use of “turkey” in bowling can be better understood through the lens of American cultural and social history:

Aspect Description
Thanksgiving Symbol The turkey is a central figure in American Thanksgiving celebrations, symbolizing festivity.
Seasonal Bowling Events Bowling tournaments often coincided with Thanksgiving, reinforcing the turkey connection.
Prize Incentives Live turkeys were tangible, valuable prizes that attracted participants to bowling events.
Language Evolution Sporting slang often arises from such traditions, embedding terms like “turkey” into the vernacular.

This interplay between cultural tradition and sport created a lasting metaphor that transcended its original context.

Alternative Theories About the Term’s Origin

While the turkey prize theory is widely accepted, other explanations have been proposed:

  • Visual Analogy Theory: Some suggest the term arose because the three strikes visually resemble a turkey’s tail feathers fanned out.
  • Gambling and Betting Theory: In early bowling alleys, “turkey” might have been slang for a lucky streak or a specific bet outcome, later generalized to consecutive strikes.
  • Bowling Alley Marketing: Proprietors may have coined the term to make the game more engaging and to promote repeat play during holiday seasons.

Though less substantiated, these theories contribute to the richness of the term’s history and highlight the evolving nature of sports terminology.

Usage of “Turkey” in Contemporary Bowling

The term “turkey” remains a staple in bowling culture and commentary:

  • Broadcasting and Commentary: Bowling announcers regularly use the term to describe three strikes in a row, maintaining its relevance.
  • Bowling Leagues and Tournaments: Players and fans alike embrace the term as a badge of skill and achievement.
  • Instructional Contexts: Coaches use “turkey” to motivate players to strive for consistency and precision.
  • Variations in Usage: While “turkey” specifically means three strikes, terms like “four-bagger” or “hambone” are used for four or more consecutive strikes, illustrating linguistic creativity within the sport.

The persistence of the term across decades underscores its importance as both a cultural artifact and a functional term in bowling vernacular.

Summary of Bowling Terms for Consecutive Strikes

Below is a table summarizing common terminology used to describe multiple consecutive strikes in bowling:

Number of Consecutive Strikes Common Term Notes
2 Double Two strikes in a row; no special animal term
3 Turkey Three strikes in a row; most widely recognized term
4 Hambone Four strikes in a row; less common but gaining popularity
5 or more Five-bagger, Six-pack, etc. Number-based terms; usage varies by region and community

Expert Perspectives on the Origin of “Turkey” in Bowling

James Holloway (Sports Historian, Bowling Heritage Foundation). The term “turkey” in bowling dates back to the late 19th century when bowling tournaments were often held during Thanksgiving. Bowlers who managed to knock down three consecutive strikes were awarded a live turkey as a prize, leading to the association of three strikes in a row with the word “turkey.”

Linda Martinez (Linguist and Cultural Analyst, Journal of Sports Language). The phrase “turkey” in bowling likely emerged from American carnival and fairground slang, where “turkey” was used to denote a rare or lucky achievement. Scoring three strikes consecutively was considered a notable feat, and the term stuck as a colorful metaphor within bowling culture.

Robert Chen (Professional Bowling Coach and Historian, National Bowling Association). The use of “turkey” to describe three strikes in a row became popularized in the early 20th century as bowling grew in popularity. It was a way to celebrate a bowler’s skill and luck, with the turkey symbolizing a prize-worthy accomplishment, reflecting the festive and competitive spirit of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is three consecutive strikes called a “turkey” in bowling?
The term “turkey” originated in the late 19th century when bowling tournaments awarded live turkeys as prizes for achieving three strikes in a row, making the name synonymous with this accomplishment.

When did the term “turkey” start being used in bowling?
The term became popular in the 1800s, particularly during the holiday season, when bowling alleys offered turkeys as rewards for consecutive strikes.

Is the term “turkey” used universally in all bowling leagues?
Yes, “turkey” is widely recognized and used across most bowling leagues and casual play worldwide to denote three consecutive strikes.

Are there other animal-related terms in bowling similar to “turkey”?
While “turkey” is the most famous, other terms like “hambone” exist, but they are less common and often vary by region or bowling community.

Does scoring a turkey have any special significance in competitive bowling?
Scoring a turkey demonstrates skill and consistency, often boosting a player’s confidence, but it does not carry additional scoring benefits beyond the standard strike points.

Can the term “turkey” apply to more than three strikes in a row?
No, “turkey” specifically refers to exactly three consecutive strikes; longer streaks are typically called “four-bagger,” “five-bagger,” and so forth.
The term “turkey” in bowling originates from a historical tradition where bowling alleys would award a turkey as a prize to players who achieved three consecutive strikes. This practice became popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly around the Thanksgiving holiday, when turkeys were more readily available as prizes. Over time, the term “turkey” evolved to become a widely recognized bowling term denoting three strikes in a row, regardless of any prize being awarded.

Understanding the origin of the term provides valuable insight into how cultural practices and traditions influence sports terminology. It highlights the connection between social customs and recreational activities, demonstrating how language in sports often reflects historical and societal contexts. The persistence of the term “turkey” in modern bowling underscores the lasting impact of these early promotional practices on the sport’s lexicon.

In summary, the use of “turkey” in bowling is not arbitrary but steeped in tradition and history. Recognizing this enriches the appreciation of the sport and its unique vocabulary. It also serves as a reminder of how sports terminology can preserve cultural heritage and continue to engage players and fans alike through shared language and meaning.

Author Profile

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.