Pronunciation: [ɹˈɒtɡʌts] (IPA) 
The word "rotguts" is spelled as [ˈrɒtɡʌts], with the initial "r" being pronounced like the letter "ah," followed by the "o" sound as in "hot" and the "t" sound as in "top." The second syllable starts with the hard "g" sound, similar to the "g" in "goat," followed by the short "u" sound as in "up" and the "ts" sound like in "cats." The word "rotguts" is informal slang for cheap or low-quality alcohol.
Rotguts is a noun that refers to a type of strong, low-quality alcoholic beverage that has an unpleasant taste and is often cheaply produced. The term is typically used to denote the lowest tier of alcoholic drinks, those that are considered highly undesirable or of inferior quality.
The word "rotguts" has its origins in colloquial and slang language, often associated with the working class or less affluent individuals seeking an alcohol fix on a limited budget. These beverages are characterized by their lack of refinement, often resulting from the use of inferior ingredients, shortcuts in the production process, or disregard for quality control standards.
Typically, rotguts have a harsh and burning flavor profile, accompanied by an unpleasant smell and aftertaste. Due to their strong nature, they may cause discomfort, both while consuming them and afterward. Rotgut beverages have earned a reputation for being the drink of last resort, typically consumed by those who cannot afford or have limited access to higher quality alcoholic drinks.
The term "rotguts" is often used figuratively to describe anything of subpar quality or poor taste, extending its application beyond the world of alcoholic beverages to other aspects of life, such as food, music, or literature. However, it is important to note that "rotguts" is primarily associated with derogatory connotations and a negative portrayal of the subject being described.
The word "rotguts" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States. Its etymology is a combination of two words: "rot" and "guts".
The term "rot" refers to a state of decomposition or decay, suggesting that the substance being described as "rotguts" is of poor quality or has gone bad. "Guts", in this context, refers metaphorically to one's internal organs, specifically the stomach or intestines.
When combined, "rotguts" serves as a derogatory term to describe a low-quality or inferior alcoholic beverage. It implies that the drink is unrefined, potentially harmful to one's health, or simply unpleasant to consume. The term often denotes cheap, heavily alcoholic liquor or spirits, emphasizing its negative connotations.
