Shotgun wedding

A shotgun wedding is a type of wedding which is arranged not because of the desire of the participants, but to avoid embarrassment due to an unintentional pregnancy.

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The phrase is an American colloquialism based on a mythical scenario (hyperbole) that the father of the pregnant daughter, almost by accepted custom, must resort to using coercive force (the shotgun) to ensure the marriage is carried out.

Related Topics:
American colloquialism - Hyperbole - Shotgun

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The "shotgun wedding" is simply an expression, referring to any hasty marriage arranged due to unplanned pregnancy. The use of violent coercion is not common. Often a couple will arrange a shotgun wedding without (spoken) outside encouragement.

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The purpose is to get recourse from the male for the act of impregnation, ensuring that the daughter and child are taken care of, and that social honor is restored to the daughter. In some societies the stigma attached to pregnancy out of wedlock can be enormous, and coercive means (in spite of the legal defense of undue influence) for gaining recourse are often seen as the prospective father-in-law's "right," and an important (albeit unconventional) coming of age event for the young father-to-be.

Related Topics:
Honor - Stigma - Pregnancy out of wedlock - Undue influence - Coming of age

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The phenomenon has become less common as the stigma associated with out-of-wedlock births has declined and the number of these births increased.

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