Rootin’-tootin’ six-gun shootin’

[JPablo]

What is the meaning and origin of rootin’-tootin’ six-gun shootin’?

Here is some context,
"He's a rootin', tootin', six-gun shootin', yodeling cowhand!" These lyrics from a Wylie Gustafson song describe Buck Helton to a "T." Singer, songwriter, yodeler, award-winning cowboy poet, MC, voice-over artist and Western actor. He's done 'em all! Buck brings the music, history and romance of the West to life in his performances in a way that endears him to fans of traditional music

[Dale]

This should be interesting if someone has an answer. I've heard it many times in western song and books but really have no idea what it literally means nor where it originated. I know its a silly expression that implies wild and happy behavior for a cowboy with a revolver... :)

[JPablo]

Thanks, Dale, I kind of got that idea, but I am still scratching my head :thinking: as to what really means each word...

I guess it has to do with what you do with a 'six-gun' a revolver... as in somebody who is kind of happy-go-lucky, shooting around, trigger-happy or quick on the trigger or something of that nature... but I cannot put my finger on... the trigger and pull... :rolleyes:

Hopefully a good Western specialist can come to the rescue... (our stagecoach is surrounded by...) (Where is Louis Lamour, Zane Grey and Ron Hubbard when you need them!) :D

[poli]

Root ti toot is the sound of a horn. If someone's root ti tootin' he's either
playing a trumpet or being rowdy.

It fits into to myth of the free-wheeling cowboy.

[JPablo]

Ah!, thank you Poli, that definitely helps!

[Rusty]

Mostly, the phrase is used for its rhyming qualities, but it does have a meaning.

rootin' (rooting) - direct/drive/herd an animal by poking or prodding
tootin' (tooting) - noise made by the cowboy to help drive/herd the animals

A revolver is called a six-shooter, or a six-gun.

Since cowboys were known for herding/driving animals and carried six-guns, it seems fittin' to call 'em rootin' tootin' six-gun shootin' cowboys.

[JPablo]

Ah! Thank you so much Rusty... that definitely gets down to its bare simplicity! Much appreciated!