whisky
UK: ˈwɪski | US: ˈwɪski
n. a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, typically aged in wooden casks.
whisky = whisk<to move quickly> + y<noun suffix>
- whisk<to move quickly>: From Middle English wisk, meaning "to move swiftly or lightly." The term likely imitates the sound or motion of something brushing past.
- y<noun suffix>: A common suffix forming nouns, often indicating a quality or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "whisky" originates from the Gaelic phrase uisge beatha (pronounced "oos-kee bah"), meaning "water of life." Over time, uisge evolved into "usky" and later "whisky" in English. The connection to "whisk" is folk etymology, as the drink's name has no direct linguistic link to the verb—though the idea of "quick movement" might humorously reflect its effects.
He ordered a glass of single-malt whisky at the bar.
Scottish whisky is renowned for its smoky flavor.
She prefers bourbon whisky over rye.
The distillery has been producing whisky for over 200 years.
A drop of water can enhance the aroma of whisky.