"drive-by shooting"--- query from National Geographic research editor

[Cohen, Gerald Leonard]

Dear Robin Reid,
    I'm forwarding your message to the American Dialect Society's Internet discussion group, whose interests extend to all aspects of English.  At least several members are particularly knowledgeable about early attestations of terms and may be able to help you.

   So, ads-l members, would any of you have information on the earliest attestation(s) of "drive-by shooting"?  If so, please respond both to Robin Reid and ads-l. Thanx in advance.

Best. --- Gerald Cohen
gcohen at mst.edu

________________________________

From: Robin Reid [mailto:rstreid at comcast.net]
Sent: Tue 4/1/2008 5:32 PM
To: Cohen, Gerald Leonard
Subject: query from National Geographic research editor



Hello Gerald,

My name is Robin Reid, and I'm a research editor for National
Geographic magazine. I found you while searching for the origins of
the phrase "drive-by shooting." I'm preparing a timeline to illustrate
a story we're doing about the impact automobiles have had on society,
and my art director wondered if we could pinpoint when the phrase
entered the American lexicon.

WordOrigins indicates it came about in 1996 along with other drive-
bys, but it then referred me to the society's Web site, and drive-by
shooting doesn't show up in 1996.

Can you help me?

Many thanks!

Robin Reid
410-435-1284

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