reefer etymology

Etymology:

The term "reefer" has various etymological origins:

• Spanish: "rifa," meaning "raffle" or "chance meeting"
• English: "reefer coat," a type of heavy jacket worn by sailors
• Cant: "reefer," a piece of opium smoked for recreation

Meaning and Origin:

The term "reefer" has several distinct meanings, depending on the context:

1. Cannabis (Marijuana): * In the early 20th century, "reefer" began to be used in the United States to refer to cannabis, particularly in the underground drug culture. It is believed that the term originated from Mexican immigrants who used the Spanish word "rifa" for the act of smoking cannabis. * Over time, the term gained popularity among jazz musicians and counterculture enthusiasts.

2. Sailing Vessel: * In nautical terms, a "reefer" is a ship designed to transport refrigerated cargo, such as fruits, vegetables, and meat. The term likely originated from the use of ice or mechanical refrigeration to keep the cargo cool.

3. Jacket: * A "reefer coat" is a type of heavy, double-breasted jacket traditionally worn by sailors and fishermen. It is characterized by its sturdy construction, warm fleece lining, and large buttons. The term "reefer" in this context may have come from the Dutch word "rif," meaning "reef" or "sail with a reef."

4. Smoker's Device (Slang): * In some circles, the term "reefer" is used to refer to a device, such as a pipe or joint, used for smoking recreational drugs. This usage likely originated from the association with cannabis smoking.

Additional Notes:

• The term "reefer" has negative connotations in some contexts due to its association with drug use.
• In modern usage, "reefer" is primarily used to refer to cannabis, especially in informal settings.

reefer relate terms

• reef

  Etymology The word reef comes from the Old English word rif which referred to a ridg

• reef

  Etymology The word reef comes from the Old English word rif which referred to a ridg

• joint

  Etymology Joint comes from the Old French word jointe which in turn derives from the

• stick

  Etymology The word stick comes from the Old English word sticca which meant a shor

• sporting

  Etymology The word sporting originates from the Old English word spōrt which means

• cigarette

  Etymology of cigarette The word cigarette comes from the French word cigarette wh

• cannabis

  Etymology The word cannabis is derived from the Greek word κάνναβις kannab

• secretary

  Etymology Latin secretarius keeper of secrets Proto Indo European sekw follow

• minion

  Etymology The word minion is derived from the Old French word mignon meaning darlin

• schedule

  Etymology Old French eschedual Latin schedula Greek schedē a writing tablet Mea

• octopus

  Etymology From Ancient Greek ὀκτώπους oktōpous from ὀκτώ oktō eig

• denomination

  Etymology The term denomination originates from the Latin word denominare meaning t