speakeasy etymology

Etymology:

The term "speakeasy" originated in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), when the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages was illegal.

Meaning:

A speakeasy was an establishment that illegally served alcohol, typically in a discreet and secretive manner.

Origin:

The exact origin of the term is unclear, but there are several possible explanations:

• "Speak easy": Customers were told to "speak easy" or keep their voices down to avoid attracting attention from authorities.
• "Speak softly": Similarly, patrons were asked to "speak softly" while ordering drinks.
• "Easy to come in but hard to leave": Speakeasies were often designed to be easy to enter but difficult to exit, allowing patrons to make a quick escape if a raid occurred.
• "Speak easy of it": Customers may have been encouraged to "speak easy" about the existence of the speakeasy, knowing that it was illegal.

Another theory suggests that the term originated from the fact that customers had to "speak easy" to be understood over the noise of the crowd and live music that was often played in speakeasies.

Regardless of its exact origin, the term "speakeasy" became synonymous with establishments that served alcohol during Prohibition. Today, it is sometimes used to refer to any type of bar or nightclub.

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