speakeasy
pronunciation
How to pronounce speakeasy in British English:
UK [ˈspi:ki:zi]
How to pronounce speakeasy in American English:
US [ˈspikˌizi]
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- Noun:
- (during prohibition) an illegal barroom
Word Origin
- speakeasy (n.)
- "unlicensed saloon," 1889 (in the New York "Voice"), from verbal phrase, from speak (v.) + easy (adv.); so called from the practice of speaking quietly about such a place in public, or when inside it, so as not to alert the police and neighbors. The word gained wide currency in U.S. during Prohibition (1920-1932). In early 19c. Irish and British dialect, a speak softly shop meant "smuggler's den."
Example
- 1. Speakeasy caught up with mr. gordon at the ceremony .
- 2. We haven 't really been a very active team ( lool speakeasy never online ! )
- 3. You know , truth be told , it used to be a private speakeasy .
- 4. By the end of the night , police raided the speakeasy , forcing everyone to run .
- 5. " Most executives today ' grew up ' with in-person meetings where everyone was seated around a table in the same room , " says scott weiss , ceo of communication consulting firm speakeasy . "