saturday night special
Noun: A "Saturday night special" is a colloquial term for a type of inexpensive, low-quality, and easily concealable handgun. The name historically implies it is the type of weapon that might be impulsively acquired and used in crimes, particularly those occurring on weekend nights.
This term is used almost exclusively as a noun to refer to a specific class of firearm. It carries strong connotations related to crime, poverty, and inadequate gun control legislation. Its use is more common in journalism, political discourse, and informal speech than in formal legal contexts.
- The proposed law aimed to ban the import and sale of Saturday night specials.
- The detective noted that the weapon used in the robbery was a typical Saturday night special—cheap and untraceable.
- Critics argue that these Saturday night specials are disproportionately used in street crimes.
The term can be used metaphorically to describe any product that is cheaply made, potentially dangerous, and easily available. * That power strip is a real Saturday night special; I wouldn't trust it with my computer.
- Junk gun (n): A synonym with similar connotations of poor quality and association with crime.
- Satellitenightspecial (n): A very rare, non-standard variant; the standard term is "Saturday night special."
- Cheap handgun
- Junk gun
- Snub-nosed revolver (can be a specific type often described as a Saturday night special)
- Target pistol: A high-quality handgun designed for sport shooting.
- Service weapon: A reliable firearm issued to military or police personnel.
The term is loaded with socio-economic and racial implications, often criticized for perpetuating stereotypes. Its usage has declined somewhat with changes in gun manufacturing and laws but remains a recognized phrase in discussions about gun violence and regulation. It specifically refers to handguns, not rifles or shotguns.
- a cheap handgun that is easily obtained