 |
| |||
| speakeasy (во время действия в США сухого закона; speakeasy – "unlicensed saloon," 1889 (in New York "Voice"), from speak + easy, 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 US during Prohibition (1920-1932). In early 19c. Irish and British dialect, a "speak softly shop" meant "smuggler's den." Taras) | |||