The Daily Feather — Just Passing Through

“Just passing through” emerged from the transient, often solitary, existence of people on the American Frontier during the 19th century. Trappers, prospectors, and pioneers were constantly on the move, driven by the search for furs, gold, or new land. When they arrived in a settlement, their temporary status was a defining characteristic of their identity. The phrase became a common, albeit poignant, greeting, serving as a social buffer that signified a lack of commitment to the community. It conveyed a sense of independence and self-reliance, but also a hint of loneliness. Rather than being seen as a potential long-term resident or a threat, the person “just passing through” was a fleeting presence, unburdened by the social obligations and entanglements of a permanent settler. This simple statement encapsulated a nomadic lifestyle and the vast, open, and often unforgiving landscape that defined the American West. The phrase's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the spirit of adventure and the romanticized image of the lone wanderer on the dusty trail.

In the dismal science, “just passing through” takes on an inflationary connotation against the backdrop of U.S. trade policy. To wit, the tariff ‘hot potato’ can be applied to the pricing environment throughout the global supply chain.