I just complained about the idea that “dope” stood for “data on previous engagements” in a review of a book about long distance shooting. Dope has been used to just mean information since at least the end of the 19th century—120+ years. According to etymologists, it may have come from the practice of doping (yes, drugging) race horses, and the knowledge thereof.

At one time the American Rifleman magazine felt it necessary to point out that it has been used to refer to information about guns and shooting for a long time as well. The “data on …” thing is a recent invention by someone who obviously felt compelled to think of a way to turn it into an abbreviation, and one that doesn’t even make sense. When I want the dope to adjust my sights and hold to hit a target, I don’t want something from previous engagements, I want something that will tell me what I need for this “engagement.”

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Originally posted by parabellum:

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Originally posted by Plugugly:
"Niggardly" seems to get folks fired up.

Cool it

I’m sorry but this made me laugh. Apparently plugugly was right.

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Originally posted by lunchbox:

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Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by Plugugly:
"Niggardly" seems to get folks fired up.

Cool it

I’m sorry but this made me laugh. Apparently plugugly was right.

Not cool, man. Not cool.

H&K-Guy