The Curious Origin of “Blind Pig”

The term “blind pig” was frequently used to characterize a speakeasy in the United States during Prohibition. What makes it a “blind pig,” though? The solution can be found in the inventive means people used at the time to get around the legislation. During the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, speakeasies were unlicensed businesses that served alcoholic beverages. These establishments frequently had concealed entrances or were out of sight to prevent being discovered by law enforcement. The term “blind pig” refers to speakeasies that advertised themselves as something completely different in order to avoid being discovered.

A “blind pig” was a cover-up scheme in which visitors paid to view an attraction, like an exotic animal or a freak show, and were then offered a free drink as a “bonus.” They were able to escape being apprehended by the authorities since the restaurant was ostensibly charging for the attraction rather than the drink. It is believed that the image of the pig being blindfolded before being prodded and prodded by customers is where the phrase “blind pig” came from.

It is challenging to identify the first speakeasy because these businesses frequently functioned in secret and without being noticed. However, the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York, which opened in 1923, was one of the most well-known speakeasies. When racial segregation was still common, it was a well-liked hangout for African American performers and customers.

There are several things to think about while choosing a bar name. Some bar owners select a name that symbolizes the region or history of their business, while others go for a memorable phrase. In the end, the name needs to be memorable and distinctive enough to differentiate itself from the competition.

Depending on the area and culture, several names for bars are more prevalent. The Pub, The Tavern, and The Saloon are examples of typical bar names in the United States. The Red Lion, The Crown, and The White Horse are three well-known names in the United Kingdom. The Golden Fleece, The Royal Hotel, and The Railway Hotel are frequently used in Australia.

Last but not least, the word “bar” is actually short for “barrier,” as in the partition between the bartender and the customers. The bar top or counter where beverages are served is also mentioned.

In conclusion, speakeasies used ingenious methods to evade law enforcement during the Prohibition era, which is where the phrase “blind pig” came from. It is difficult to identify the earliest speakeasy, although one of the most well-known is the Cotton Club in New York. It’s crucial to select an original and distinctive name for your pub. Depending on the area and culture, several names for bars are more prevalent. Last but not least, the word “bar” is a contraction of “barrier” and designates the counter or bar top where drinks are served.

FAQ
Keeping this in consideration, what does flapper mean in 1920s slang?

Although the definition of “flapper” in 1920s slang is not directly relevant to the article, a flapper is a young woman who exhibited fashion-forward and outspoken conduct throughout the 1920s. The phrase was used to describe a new breed of young ladies who smoked cigarettes in public, listened to jazz music, wore short skirts, and had their hair done in bobs. Flappers were frequently linked to a careless and disobedient way of life.