Speakeasy: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿธ
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speakeasy

 

[ หˆspฤ“kฤ“หŒฤ“zฤ“ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

hidden bar

A speakeasy is an informal establishment that illegally sells alcoholic beverages. Their origin dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States, when the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic drinks were prohibited. In response, these secret bars emerged, often hidden behind legitimate storefronts or in basements. Patrons would use a password to gain entry, and the term 'speakeasy' possibly comes from the practice of patrons speaking quietly or 'easily' to avoid detection. Today, the term is often associated with vintage-style bars that celebrate the ambiance of that era.

Synonyms

bar, lounge, pub, tavern

Examples of usage

  • We found a cozy speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf.
  • The speakeasy was decked out in 1920s decor.
  • You need a password to enter the exclusive speakeasy.
  • They serve the best craft cocktails at that speakeasy.

Translations

Translations of the word "speakeasy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bar clandestino

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเคชเฅเคค เคฌเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช geheime Bar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bar rahasia

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะฐั”ะผะฝะธะน ะฑะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tajny bar

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้š ใ‚Œๅฎถใƒใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bar clandestin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bar clandestino

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gizli bar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„๋ฐ€ ๋ฐ”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุงุฑ ุณุฑูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tajnรฝ bar

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tajnรฝ bar

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ง˜ๅฏ†้…’ๅง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tajni bar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leynibar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐัั‹ั€ั‹ะฝ ะฑะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ›แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒšแƒ˜ แƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gizli bar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bar clandestino

Etymology

The term 'speakeasy' originated in the early 20th century during the Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. The U.S. government instituted a nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. In response to this ban, clandestine bars and clubs began operating in secret, allowing patrons to enjoy alcohol despite the legal restrictions. These establishments often required a password for entry, which led to the term 'speakeasy,' derived from the idea of speaking quietly or 'easily' to avoid drawing attention. Speakeasies became cultural hotspots, attracting diverse groups of people and fostering an illicit nightlife filled with jazz music and dancing. After Prohibition was repealed, many of these secret bars closed, but the allure of the speakeasy lingered on, leading to a resurgence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as vintage-themed bars embraced the nostalgic spirit of that era.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,610, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.