Meaning:
A shot in the arm is a stimulus.
Background:
Most people can remember their first injection.
This expression derives from the invigorating effect of injecting drugs. A
shot is of course US slang for an injection, either of a narcotic or
medicinal drug. That term has been in use since around the beginning of the
20th century.
- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]
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I can't remember my first shot, likely a vaccine soon after birth, or any
narcotic jabs. Apparently, most westerners do, or at least the author of the
above does. I made intimate acquaintance with local anesthesia when they pulled
my wisdom teeth, five of them, but that might not be opiod. For stimulus, the
morning coffee does the trick for me. Yes, I have heard of heavenly euphoria
or profound peace brought on by the needle, but so far kept savoring the joy of
missing out.
I couldn't do it without the help from others. Only yesterday, pharmacies at
both Target and Walmart declined to sell me a syringe. The poor girls were first
startled and then out of depth when I explained I needed it to drain the fluid
gathered in the swelling on the outer edge of my left ear. It was from sports, I
added, and it didn't help. They kept on apologizing out of genuine ignorance,
and I could sense they were quivering in fear of the unknown or some vengeful
god. In the end I felt sorry for them and said good night.
