Ep 2. Riding Shotgun

In America's Secret Slang season 2 episode 2, titled "Riding Shotgun," viewers are taken on a journey across America's highways and explore the origins of terms related to travel and transportation.

Through interviews with experts and historians, the show delves into the history of certain phrases and how they have evolved over time. Viewers get an inside look on how certain terms became popular and what they meant in the past.

The episode starts with the origins of the term "riding shotgun" and how it came into existence. The phrase originated during the Wild West era, when coach drivers wanted extra protection while driving on dangerous roads. The person who took this extra responsibility sat in the front seat beside the driver. Later, this practice was adopted by banks who needed additional security when transporting cash.

Next, the episode focuses on the phrase "hit the road." This term was popular during the Great Depression when people would literally hit the road in search of work or food. The term has since evolved to mean leaving a place or venturing out on a journey.

The show then moves onto the term "freeway" and how it came into being. Experts explain how the phrase was popularised in Los Angeles in the early 20th century. People wanted to escape from the crowded city streets and head out to the open road. The concept of free, open travel took hold, and the term "freeway" became synonymous with long-distance travel.

Moving on, viewers are introduced to the term "crash pad" and its origin. This term is commonly used in the airline industry to refer to a place where pilots or cabin crew members can rest while on duty. It was originally used by military pilots during World War II, who would sleep on thin mattresses or pads, in the cramped quarters of their planes.

The episode then dives into the history of the term "skyjacking," which refers to hijacking an aircraft. Experts explain how the term originated in the 1950s when a man named Kenneth Arnold reported seeing unidentified flying objects (UFOs). His claims led to a surge in public interest in UFOs and the term was later adopted by the media to describe the hijacking of planes.

Finally, the episode explores the origin of the phrase "on the road again" and the different interpretations of its meaning. The term was initially used by Dust Bowl migrants during the Great Depression who were constantly on the move in search of work. The phrase was later immortalized by country music legend Willie Nelson, who wrote a song with the same name.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a fascinating history lesson on the language of travel and transportation. From the Wild West to the Great Depression to modern-day air travel, the show provides insights into how certain phrases have evolved over time.

Overall, "Riding Shotgun" is a captivating episode that sheds light on the origins and evolution of popular phrases related to travel and transportation. It provides an intriguing glimpse into how language changes over time and how certain terms take on new meanings.