Word: Bathtub Gin
Definition: "Bathtub gin" is a noun that refers to homemade gin, particularly gin that is made illegally. The term comes from the idea that people would sometimes make this alcohol in their bathtubs during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), when making or selling alcohol was illegal.
Usage Instructions: You can use "bathtub gin" when talking about homemade alcohol, especially in the context of its illegal production. It is often used in discussions about history, particularly related to Prohibition or the creative ways people found to make alcohol during that time.
Example Sentence:"During the Prohibition, many people turned to making bathtub gin in their homes to avoid the law."
Advanced Usage: In modern contexts, "bathtub gin" can be used metaphorically to describe anything that is made hastily and without proper regulation or quality control. For example, you might hear someone say, "The startup's product felt like bathtub gin—rushed and poorly made."
Word Variants: - "Bathtub" (noun): A large container for holding water, typically used for bathing. - "Gin" (noun): A type of alcoholic drink made from juniper berries and other botanicals.
Different Meanings: - "Bathtub" can refer to the actual fixture used for bathing. - "Gin" can refer to any kind of distilled alcoholic beverage, not just the homemade version.
Synonyms: - Homemade gin - Illegal gin
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While "bathtub gin" itself does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases related to alcohol, such as: - "Hit the bottle" (to start drinking alcohol heavily). - "On the rocks" (referring to drinks served over ice).
In Summary: "Bathtub gin" is an interesting term from American history that refers to homemade, often illegal, gin. It can also be used to describe something that is poorly made or of low quality.