whiskey

noun WEES-kee Rare

Origin: Irish/Scottish Gaelic uisce beatha (water of life)

Usage Note

Whiskey (also spelled whisky in French) is used for both Scotch whisky and Irish/American whiskey. In French, un whisky is the more common spelling; whiskey with an 'e' often specifically signals Irish or American varieties. Un whisky sec means a straight whiskey, and whisky on the rocks is understood without translation.

Examples

"Il commanda un whiskey sans glace au bar."

Natural Translation

He ordered a whiskey without ice at the bar.

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