General
speakeasy
What does speakeasy mean?
By extension, any secretive bar requiring a password or insider knowledge to enter.
"There's a speakeasy behind the diner that only opens after dark."
Origin
An American term that predates Prohibition but exploded in the 1920s, when banning alcohol drove drinking underground. The name comes from urging patrons to 'speak easy,' meaning quietly, so as not to draw police attention.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'speakeasy' mean?
It's a secret, illegal bar, originally one selling alcohol during Prohibition. The name came from speaking quietly to avoid tipping off the law.
Where did 'speakeasy' come from?
The word existed earlier but became famous in 1920s Prohibition America. It referred to hushed, hidden drinking spots.
Do speakeasies still exist?
Yes, as a bar style. Modern speakeasies revive the hidden-door, password aesthetic for fun rather than legal necessity.
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