In golf, a do-over or second chance to take a shot after a poor first attempt, or more generally, a second chance at something.
Likely named after David Mulligan, an Irish golfer in the 1920s, though the exact origin is debated. Some credit other Mulligans from golf history. The term became widespread in American golf culture by mid-20th century.
A 'mulligan' is basically the only game where cheating is encouraged and has its own name! This reveals something about American culture—we love second chances and informal rule-breaking more than strict rule-following, which is why the term caught on so widely beyond golf into everyday life for any do-over.
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