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"Shooting the Root" is a saying which refers to the experience of a hunter attempting to shoot at an animal in the woods, but the animals scatters and the hunter misses. Consequently, shooting at the ground, shooting the root. Originating in the 17th century, this phrase was commonly said at a feast following a hunt. The hunters, drunk from the festivities, would make jokes, and if the joke didn't land they would exclaim: "I'm just shooting the root!" This was funny because, in fact, someone may have shot at a root.
by rootsugar March 9, 2026
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