2020-04-01_Readers_Digest

1. speakeasy n.
   ('speek-ee-zee)
   aexpert bartender.
   bchatty drunk.
   cillegal bar.


2. swill v.
   (swil)
   asmuggle.
   bage in barrels.
   cdrink freely.


3. aperitif n.
   (uh-pair-uh-'teef)
   aapricot brandy.
   bpredinner cocktail.
   cswizzle stick.


4. blotto adj.
   ('blah-toh)
   awith a splash of water.
   bintoxicated.
   cbubbly.

After Prohibition went into effect in 1920,

Americans suffered through a long dry spell—

save for the occasional dip into the bathtub

gin. We’re toasting the 100th anniversary

with some spirited vocabulary. Take your best

shot, then turn to page 122 for answers.

By Sarah Chassé

To play an interactive version of Word Power on your iPad,

download the Reader’s Digest app.

WORD POWER

9. snifter n.
   ('snif-ter)
   asmall goblet.
   bnightcap.
   chip flask.


10. Nebuchadnezzar n.
    (neh-byuh-kud-'neh-zer)
    aenormous wine bottle.
    btequila-based drink.
    cEgyptian chalice.


11. aqua vitae n.
    (ak-wuh 'vy-tee)
    asparkling seltzer.
    bmedicinal syrup.
    cstrong liquor.


12. sommelier n.
    (suh-mull-'yay)
    awine expert.
    btasting room.
    csweet vermouth.


13. rathskeller n.
    ('rot-skeh-ler)
    adrinking game.
    bbasement tavern.
    cdark ale.


14. repeal v.
    (ree-'peel)
    aput an end to.
    bgarnish with lemon.
    clegalize.


15. dram n.
    (dram)
    abarstool.
    bsmall drink.
    cbrewery.


16. distill v.
    (dih-'still)
    apurify a liquid.
    badd a mixer.
    cflavor with bitters.


17. wassail n.
    ('wah-suhl)
    ahot spiced beverage.
    bheadache cure.
    cpublic house.


18. bootleg adj.
    ('boot-leg)
    amade in small batches.
    bproduced unlawfully.
    cwatered down.


19. katzenjammer n.
    ('kat-sun-jam-er)
    abeer garden.
    bcorkscrew.
    changover.

Reader’s Digest The Genius Section

120 april 2020 | rd.com