Definition

Noun: 1. A non-alcoholic version of a Bloody Mary cocktail: A beverage that mimics the ingredients and flavor of a Bloody Mary (typically tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery, lemon juice, and spices) but is made without any vodka or other alcoholic spirits. It is often called a "Virgin Mary."

Usage Notes

• This is a compound noun formed from the adjective "bloody" and the noun "shame." It functions as a single, specific term for a drink.
• The term is informal and somewhat humorous or ironic, playing on the name of the alcoholic cocktail "Bloody Mary" and the expression "a bloody shame" (meaning a great pity or disappointment). In this context, "shame" humorously refers to the absence of alcohol.
• It is primarily used in casual contexts, such as in bars, restaurants, or social gatherings.

Examples

• "I'm the designated driver, so I'll just have a bloody shame, please."
• "The bar's menu listed both a Bloody Mary and a bloody shame for those not drinking alcohol."
• "She ordered a bloody shame with extra celery and horseradish."

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically or humorously to describe any situation that is a disappointing or alcohol-free substitute for something more exciting.
  • Example: "The office party without the open bar was a real bloody shame."

Variants and Related Words

• Virgin Mary: The more common and standard term for the same non-alcoholic drink.
• Bloody Mary: The original alcoholic cocktail containing vodka.
• Mocktail: A general term for any non-alcoholic cocktail.

Synonyms

• Virgin Mary
• Non-alcoholic Bloody Mary
• Bloody Mary mocktail

Idioms and Phrases

• A bloody shame: This is the standard idiomatic expression from which the drink name derives. It means "a great pity" or "a terrible disappointment."
  • Example: "It's a bloody shame that the concert was canceled." (This is unrelated to the drink and uses the words as separate parts of an idiom.)

Noun

1. a Bloody Mary made without alcohol