applejack
|ap-ple-jack|
/ˈæpəlˌdʒæk/
apple-based strong liquor
Etymology
'applejack' originates from English, specifically combining the words 'apple' and 'jack', where 'apple' meant 'the fruit' and 'jack' was a colloquial term for 'a spirit or liquor'.
'applejack' changed from the earlier hyphenated form 'apple-jack' used in colonial America (18th century) to refer to cider concentrated by freeze-distillation (a process called 'jacking'), and eventually became the modern English word 'applejack'.
Initially, it meant 'cider concentrated by freezing' (the product of 'jacking'), but over time it came to be used more generally for 'apple brandy' or a strong apple-based liquor.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a strong alcoholic beverage made from apples, historically produced by freeze-distilling hard cider (also used for apple brandy).
He poured a small glass of applejack after dinner.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a commercial or brand name (proper noun) used for products (e.g., beverages, or as a character/name), derived from the original drink name.
Applejack has also appeared as a character name in popular culture.
Last updated: 2025/09/25 13:53