BLIND TIGER Meaning and
Definition
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A "blind tiger" refers to an establishment, often a saloon or tavern, that illegally sells alcoholic beverages during periods when such sales are prohibited or restricted by law. This term originated in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) when the sale, production, and distribution of alcoholic drinks were outlawed.
The name "blind tiger" was chosen deliberately to mask the hidden nature of these unauthorized drinking establishments. To operate covertly without attracting attention from authorities, these establishments would often display a sign or symbol to indicate the presence of a blind tiger, such as a stuffed tiger or a tiger's head, in order to alert potential customers of their clandestine operations.
By engaging in this illicit activity, blind tigers aimed to meet the demand for alcohol amidst the nationwide ban. Patrons would enter through a hidden entrance or backdoor and were required to utter a password or phrase to gain access, ensuring only trusted individuals could participate in the covert consumption.
Being involved in the operation or patronage of a blind tiger carried significant legal consequences, as law enforcement agencies actively sought to shut down these establishments. The revenue generated by these illegal drinking establishments often contributed to the growth of organized crime during the Prohibition era.
Today, "blind tiger" remains a historical term that highlights the clandestine underground culture that emerged during the era of alcohol prohibition and serves as a reminder of the significant social and legal changes that took place during that time.
Common Misspellings for BLIND TIGER
- vlind tiger
- nlind tiger
- hlind tiger
- glind tiger
- bkind tiger
- bpind tiger
- boind tiger
- blund tiger
- bljnd tiger
- blknd tiger
- blond tiger
- bl9nd tiger
- bl8nd tiger
- blibd tiger
- blimd tiger
- blijd tiger
- blihd tiger
- blins tiger
- blinx tiger
- blinc tiger
Etymology of BLIND TIGER
The term "blind tiger" originated in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), which was a period when the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were outlawed. To circumvent this ban, illegal bars or clubs emerged, often disguised as other legitimate establishments. These establishments were sometimes known as "blind pigs" or "blind tigers".
The word "blind" was used because the unlawful bars operated "blind" to the law, meaning they were secretive and hidden from authorities. The term "tiger" or "pig" was added to convey an element of danger or sleaziness associated with these hidden establishments.
It is believed that the term "blind tiger" specifically originated from the practice of charging patrons admission to view an exotic or rare animal, like a tiger, as a way to evade the alcohol ban.
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