gin-palace
Definition
Noun: A gin-palace is a type of public house or tavern that is elaborately decorated, often in a gaudy or showy style, and primarily associated with the sale of gin. Historically, these establishments were common in 19th-century Britain, known for their ornate interiors and bright gas lighting.
Usage Examples
- (A lavishly decorated tavern selling gin.)
- (Historically, ornate pubs in the 1800s.)
Advanced Usage
"to run a gin-palace": To operate such an establishment.
- He inherited a fortune and decided to run a gin-palace in the city center. (To manage a showy tavern.)
"the gin-palace era": A historical period when these pubs were most popular.
- The gin-palace era ended with stricter licensing laws. (The time of ornate gin-selling pubs.)
Variants and Related Words
Gin (n): a clear, strong alcoholic spirit made from grains and flavoured with juniper berries.
- She ordered a glass of gin with tonic. (The primary drink sold in a gin-palace.)
Palace (n): a large, grand building, often associated with royalty.
- The word "palace" in gin-palace emphasizes its ornateness. (A metaphor for extravagance.)
Synonyms
- Gin shop: a less ornate establishment selling gin.
- Tavern: a general term for a place serving alcoholic drinks.
- Pub: a British term for a public house, though less decorative than a gin-palace.
Related Idioms
- A gin-palace of a place: Used metaphorically to describe any venue that is flashy or over-decorated.
- That new restaurant is a gin-palace of a place — all gold and mirrors. (A gaudy, showy location.)