Definition of the word prairie oyster

The origins of the term "prairie oyster" to describe a raw egg in a tomato sauce as a remedy for hangovers can be traced back to the North American prairies, where it is believed to have originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The name "prairie oyster" refers to the distinctive shape of a raw egg, which some people liken to that of an oyster, and the belief that swallowing an egg in tomato juice can help soothe an upset stomach, much like eating an oyster can aid digestion. This remedy is thought to have gained popularity among cowboys and ranchers living in the prairies, who often worked long hours outdoors and consumed large amounts of alcohol to help them cope with the harsh conditions. Today, the term "prairie oyster" is still used in parts of North America as a colloquial term for a raw egg in tomato juice, although its use as a hangover cure is somewhat debated in the medical community.