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betsy
What does betsy mean?
'Betsy' (or 'Old Betsy') is an affectionate nickname for a gun, treating a favored weapon as a companion; in some usage it also meant a fist.
"He patted his coat where Betsy sat snug in the holster."
Origin
American slang; from the female name, a folk custom of naming firearms (cf. Davy Crockett's rifle 'Betsy').
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Betsy' mean as slang?
Betsy, or 'Old Betsy,' is an affectionate nickname for a favored gun, and in some usage it also meant a fist.
Why name a gun 'Betsy'?
It reflects a folk custom of giving firearms a personal, companionable name. Davy Crockett famously called his rifle 'Betsy.'
Does 'Betsy' always mean a gun?
Usually, yes, but historically it could also refer to a fist used as a weapon, again treating it like a trusted old companion.
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