Where did the term “shoot from the hip” come from? Alexander F. Durvin Jr. Fort Washington, Maryland “Shoot from the hip” refers to gunmen who literally fired their pistols or rifles from the hip area, without really aiming the firearm at someone. That did not happen often—someone who shot from the hip was more likely to miss (unless their target was up close). Today it often means someone who talks or acts without thinking. They may be extremely honest—“straight shooters,” if


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