shotty

Shotty is a slang term, primarily used in American English, meaning "shotgun," referring to the front passenger seat in a vehicle. It is typically invoked as a claim to that seat, preventing others from sitting there. The term implies a level of privilege or superiority, suggesting the claimant believes they have earned or deserve the seat.

The act of calling "shotty" often occurs when a group of people are about to enter a vehicle. The first person to vocally claim "shotty" is generally considered to have dibs on the front passenger seat. The exact rules and validity of the claim can vary depending on regional customs and pre-existing agreements within the group. Disputes over "shotty" can occasionally occur, necessitating negotiation, compromise, or even physical contests (though these are typically lighthearted).

The origin of the term is believed to derive from the stagecoach era, where the person riding "shotgun" next to the driver was often armed to protect the stagecoach and its occupants from bandits. This individual occupied a position of importance and carried a firearm, hence the association with power or authority.

While primarily used in informal conversation among younger generations, the term "shotty" is widely understood and recognized in American vernacular. Its use implies a degree of familiarity and camaraderie among the speakers. Alternatives and variations of the phrase exist, but "shotty" remains a common and readily understood expression.