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| This expression came into usage during the last decade of the 19th century, most likely originating in the American southwest, although the Cambridge Dictionary makes the claim that the term is of Australian origin.<ref>{{citation|url=http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?dict=CALD&key=50247|title=Mexican standoff|work=Cambridge Dictionary|publisher=Cambridge University Press|accessdate=2009-12-19}}</ref> | This expression came into usage during the last decade of the 19th century, most likely originating in the American southwest, although the Cambridge Dictionary makes the claim that the term is of Australian origin.<ref>{{citation|url=http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?dict=CALD&key=50247|title=Mexican standoff|work=Cambridge Dictionary|publisher=Cambridge University Press|accessdate=2009-12-19}}</ref> | ||
| The Mexican standoff is now considered a movie ] through its frequent use in ], ]s, the films of ] (especially '']'') |
The Mexican standoff is now considered a movie ] through its frequent use in ], ]s, and the films of ] (specifically '']''), ] (especially '']'') and ]. Nevertheless, it remains a staple in popular culture because of its potential for high-tension ]. | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 18:59, 16 May 2010
A Mexican standoff is a slang term defined as a stalemate or impasse, a confrontation that neither side can forseeably win. In popular culture, the Mexican standoff is usually portrayed as three or more opponents with guns drawn and ready, creating a tense situation. Neither side is willing to shoot for fear of being shot in return, yet neither side wants to relinquish its weapons for fear that its opponents will shoot them. This situation forces the participants to resolve the situation either by diplomacy, surrender, or a pre-emptive strike. Discussions of the Soviet Union-United States nuclear confrontation during the Cold War frequently used the term, specifically in reference to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
This expression came into usage during the last decade of the 19th century, most likely originating in the American southwest, although the Cambridge Dictionary makes the claim that the term is of Australian origin.
The Mexican standoff is now considered a movie cliché through its frequent use in Spaghetti Westerns, B-movies, and the films of Ringo Lam (specifically City on Fire), Quentin Tarantino (especially Reservoir Dogs) and John Woo. Nevertheless, it remains a staple in popular culture because of its potential for high-tension drama.
See also
References
- "Mexican standoff", Cambridge Dictionary, Cambridge University Press, retrieved 2009-12-19