What is the origin (etymology) of the word "troubleshoot" (or
"troubleshooting")?  The "trouble" part is obvious but why "shoot"?

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 07 Jan 2005 10:22 PST

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term trouble-shooter
was preceeded by the earlier term trouble-hunter.  Both terms were
used in reference to telephone lines in the late 19th/early 20th
centuries.

The trouble-hunters found and then repaired telephone line problems. 
It seems a natural progression from "hunter" to "shooter", though this
isn't explicitly stated in the OED.

If that seems a good history to you, I'll be glad to post some
additional details as an answer to your question.

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by cwhit-ga on 07 Jan 2005 11:18 PST

Yes, the progression seems logical.  I believe you have fully answered
my question. Thank you very much.

cwhit-ga,


Thanks for getting back to me.

The earliest reference to the term "trouble-shooter" cited by the OED is from 1905:


"Strand Mag...A good looking young ?trouble-shooter?as a mender of
telephone lines is called had..asked her to marry him..."

The OED also refers users to a related term, "trouble-hunter", and
give an 1882 reference to the term, also from telephone repair:


"1882 T. D. LOCKWOOD Pract. Information for Telephonists...Every
movement made for an accurate preliminary test frequently saves an
hour of happy-go-lucky trouble hunting..."



I trust this information fully meets your needs, but if not, just let
me know how I can help you further.


Cheers,


pafalafa-ga

More than just a good answer -- it was also interesting and amusing. 
Well researched and documented.