barrel-shop

A man steps into a barrel-shop for a drink.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cheap or low-class drinking establishment: In American English, "barrel-shop" refers to a bar or saloon that sells liquor directly from barrels, typically associated with lower quality or cost. It often implies a rough or unpretentious environment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He spent his evenings at a barrel-shop near the docks, drinking cheap whiskey. (A low-cost bar selling liquor from barrels.)
  • The town had several barrel-shops where laborers gathered after work. (Inexpensive drinking establishments for working-class patrons.)

Advanced Usage

• "Barrel-shop" as a historical term: In 19th and early 20th century America, a "barrel-shop" was a type of saloon where liquor was sold directly from the barrel, often without a license or in a makeshift setting.
  • During Prohibition, many barrel-shops operated illegally. (Unlicensed bars selling liquor from barrels.)

Variants and Related Words

• Barrelhouse (n): a similar term for a cheap, often rowdy bar or a style of blues piano music associated with such places.
  • The barrelhouse was known for its loud music and cheap beer. (A rough bar with a lively atmosphere.)

Synonyms

• Saloon: a bar or tavern, especially in a Western or historical context.
• Dive: a low-quality, often disreputable bar.
• Joint: a casual, often inexpensive place for drinking or entertainment.

Related Idioms

• "Barrel of laughs": (informal) a very amusing or enjoyable experience (not directly related to barrel-shop, but shares the word "barrel").

  • The party was a barrel of laughs. (It was very fun.)

• "Over a barrel": in a difficult or helpless position.

  • They had him over a barrel with that contract. (They had him at a disadvantage.)