What does the word peg mean for alcohol?

When someone asks for a drink, the conversation begins with the same question every time; small peg or large peg? The word is used commonly among people, in bars, and liquor shops. When the drink is ordered outside of the country, it is done so by requesting it as a shot. The answer lies in history, oral traditions, and colonial influence. There is no official document available that states the origin of the term, although its history has been passed down through oral traditions.

Did you know peg is actually an acronym?

There is, however, a less commonly accepted etymology that says the term ‘peg’ came from the words ‘Precious Evening Glass.’ This term first came from the United Kingdom, where people who worked in the coal mines were using the term. These people were engaged in physically demanding and hazardous work. Long periods were spent underground in a cold environment.

Finally, at the end of the day, miners were presented their salaries as well as a glass of alcohol, like brandy. It was not just the glass of alcohol that the miners were receiving. With the glass, the miners were also getting warmth as well as relief. They had to wait through the long shifts to have a glass of alcohol in the evenings, which felt like an emotional reward to them.

The words ‘Precious Evening Glass’ were gradually reduced to ‘peg’ because they were easier to say. However, they were never officially adopted. When the Brits established rule in India, the idea of measures and quantity of alcohol was introduced. Also, it was standardised for convenience. For example, one small peg is 30 ml, and one large peg is 60 ml. It was simple and easy to remember. It was followed by all sellers of alcohol and drinkers. It is a common term.

It is also worthy to note that even today, the United Kingdom adopts different nomenclature for alcohol quantity. To them, it is one for 25ml and double for 50ml. Moreover, the term 'peg' is not commonly used within their literature. It is evident that though the term was born in Britain, the strongest anchors for its culture were in India. To say how many pegs one is to have today is a throwback to an era when a small drink signified comfort, reward, and survival.

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