<P> It had been previously used in this sense by Mickey Spillane in his novel I, The Jury: "Included was a medical record from the hospital when he had made her go cold turkey, which is dope - addict talk for an all - out cure ." </P> <P> There are several explanations of the phrase's origin: </P> <Ul> <Li> A narrowing of the meaning "suddenly or without preparation", from cold turkey being a dish that requires little preparation; originally used for heroin addicts . </Li> <Li> From the American phrase talk turkey meaning "to speak bluntly with little preparation". </Li> </Ul> <Li> A narrowing of the meaning "suddenly or without preparation", from cold turkey being a dish that requires little preparation; originally used for heroin addicts . </Li>

Where does the phrase quitting cold turkey come from
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