SMALL BEER Meaning and
Definition
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Small beer refers to a type of weak or low-alcohol beer that is brewed with a lower proportion of malt and has a reduced fermentation process. The term can also be used to figuratively describe something as unimportant, trivial, or insignificant.
In its literal sense, small beer is a beverage traditionally brewed in various cultures, known for its low alcohol content and mild taste. Generally made with a lesser amount of malted grain, such as barley, and mixed with a larger portion of water, small beer has a less intense fermentation period, resulting in a relatively low alcoholic strength. Historically, it has served as a popular alternative to stronger alcoholic beverages due to its refreshing and hydrating qualities. Additionally, small beer has often been consumed during periods when clean drinking water was scarce or unsafe.
In a figurative sense, the expression "small beer" can be used to describe something as insignificant or unimportant. This usage stems from the notion that small beer, by virtue of its lower alcohol content, was perceived as weaker or less significant compared to stronger forms of alcohol like ales or spirits. It can imply that a person or thing lacks importance, significance, or value. For instance, one might say, "His accomplishments are small beer compared to hers" to suggest that the achievements in question are of minimal consequence. Thus, the term "small beer" can connote a sense of relative unimportance or triviality in a variety of contexts.
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An inferior kind of table-beer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SMALL BEER
- amall beer
- zmall beer
- xmall beer
- dmall beer
- emall beer
- wmall beer
- snall beer
- skall beer
- sjall beer
- smzll beer
- smsll beer
- smwll beer
- smqll beer
- smakl beer
- smapl beer
- smaol beer
- smalk beer
- smalp beer
- smalo beer
Etymology of SMALL BEER
The term "small beer" has an interesting etymology that dates back to Middle English. The word "small" in this context means "weak" or "of low alcoholic content", rather than referring to physical size. "Beer" itself comes from the Old English word "beor", which means "barley".
In medieval times, alcoholic beverages, including beer, were commonly consumed due to the scarcity of clean drinking water. However, the production process for beer was not as effective in extracting all the sugars and fermentable substances from the grains, resulting in a weaker beverage. This low-alcohol beer was known as "small beer", as opposed to strong or high-alcohol beer.
Over time, the term "small beer" expanded to signify anything of little importance or significance. It became a metaphorical expression in English, used to describe something as trivial or unimportant, based on the original concept of low-alcohol beer.
Idioms with the word SMALL BEER
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small beer
"Small beer" means something of little importance or value; trivial or unimportant matters. It can also refer to something that is of little consequence or significance.
Similar spelling words for SMALL BEER
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