The spelling of the phrase "blind pig" may seem confusing, but its pronunciation is clear with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "blind" is pronounced /blaɪnd/, with the "i" pronounced like the "i" in "bike". The word "pig" is pronounced /pɪɡ/, with a short "i" sound, which is pronounced like the "i" in "sit". When put together, the phrase is pronounced /blaɪnd pɪɡ/. The term "blind pig" is a slang for an illegal establishment that sells alcohol.
A blind pig is a colloquial expression that refers to an illicit establishment, commonly known as a speakeasy, which operated during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), where alcohol was served or sold clandestinely. The term "blind pig" emerged as a euphemism, used to disguise the true purpose of these covert establishments and avoid direct references to alcohol sales.
During Prohibition, the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned nationwide. However, the demand for alcohol remained high, leading to the proliferation of hidden drinking spots known as blind pigs. These secretive venues operated under the radar, often in basements, backrooms, or disguised as other legitimate businesses such as soda shops or tea houses.
To gain access to a blind pig, customers typically needed insider information or a special invitation, as they were often located in discrete locations away from public view. Law enforcement authorities, responsible for enforcing Prohibition laws, commonly conducted raids on blind pigs in attempts to shut them down and apprehend those involved in unlawfully producing or selling alcohol.
The term "blind pig" originates from a practice where patrons would pay a small fee to see a peculiar attraction—a blind pig—as a form of cover charge, while the true intention was to consume alcohol. This tactful tactic helped disguise the illicit nature of these establishments, allowing them to continue functioning despite the ban on alcoholic beverages.
The term "blind pig" has its origins in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), when the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were illegal. "Blind pigs" were secret establishments that operated covertly, serving alcohol to their patrons.
The name "blind pig" came about due to the deceptive nature of these establishments. They would often have signs or advertising boards displaying pictures of pigs, but the actual venue entrance would be discreetly located, making it difficult for law enforcement to find and shut down these illegal bars. Additionally, the term "blind" referred to the secretive and illicit nature of the operations.
Eventually, "blind pig" became synonymous with speakeasies or any hidden establishment where alcohol was served during Prohibition.