This is not a new phrase as much of the Rap culture would like us to believe. Instead it is an old phrase to shoot someone. Reference to cap is a word for powder cap used in percussion guns popular in the old west. This phrase is used in the 1969 movie titled "True Grit" with John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Dennis Hopper and Robert Duvall.
Line by Ned Pepper (played by Robert Duvall) "I never busted a cap (bust a cap) on a woman or nobody under sixteen. But I'll do it."
by J Keto March 10, 2008
I found this reference to "bust a cap" in a 1951 Gene Autry novel. Gene Autry and the Golden Ladder Gang by W. H. Hutchinson. Whitman 2349
"I guess it is," said Pres as he regretfully fondled the stock of his rifle, "but I surelee hope that somebody gives me a little excuse to bust a cap in their direction."
-- Gene Autry and the Golden Ladder Gang 1951
-- Gene Autry and the Golden Ladder Gang 1951
by Nick Boxtop March 17, 2018
Attested in "True Grit" by Charles Portis, 1968, but most likely much older.
The derivation is probably from the percussion "cap," a small metal cylinder open at one end with an amount of shock-sensitive explosive, usually fulminate of mercury, used to set off the powder charge in a muzzle-loading firearm.
The modern derivation, however, is probably from the "cap gun," a toy firearm using paper "caps" containing Armstrong's mixture or a similar substance to provide the small explosions.
The derivation is probably from the percussion "cap," a small metal cylinder open at one end with an amount of shock-sensitive explosive, usually fulminate of mercury, used to set off the powder charge in a muzzle-loading firearm.
The modern derivation, however, is probably from the "cap gun," a toy firearm using paper "caps" containing Armstrong's mixture or a similar substance to provide the small explosions.
"I have never busted a cap (bust a cap) on a woman or anybody much under sixteen years but I will do what I have to do." -- "Lucky" Ned Pepper
by ET Molligee September 21, 2014
by HeavenlyHost July 04, 2003
by ub3r n00b3r September 24, 2004
by Cellucci November 30, 2018
Generally thought to mean shooting someone; often used in rap slang.
This is incorrect.
"Bust a cap" comes from 1890-1920 Irish gangs, in New York City. It referred to breaking someone's kneecaps.
This is incorrect.
"Bust a cap" comes from 1890-1920 Irish gangs, in New York City. It referred to breaking someone's kneecaps.
by VivaRedChe September 30, 2009