Shotgunning

Shotgunning is a means of consuming a beverage, especially beer, very quickly by punching a hole in the side of the can, near the bottom, placing the mouth over the hole, and pulling the tab to open the top.

To shotgun a beverage, a small hole is punched in the side of the can, close to the bottom.

The hole can be made with any sharp object—typically a key, bottle opener, pen, knife, or tooth.

When the can’s tab is pulled, the liquid will quickly drain through the hole into the drinker’s mouth.

This occurs because the hole allows air to enter the can, balancing the internal pressure and enabling the liquid to flow rapidly without resistance from carbonation or a vacuum.