Shotgun seating refers to the practice of a passenger sitting in the front seat of a vehicle next to the driver. This term is commonly used in informal contexts, especially among friends or family when deciding who gets to sit in the front. The person in the shotgun seat often has a better view of the road and can easily interact with the driver. The origin of the term "shotgun" is believed to come from the Old West, where a guard would sit next to a stagecoach driver, often armed with a shotgun for protection. Today, the term is widely recognized and often involves playful debates over who gets to claim the front seat during car rides.