During the Prohibition Era in the United States, the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal. This led to the emergence of underground establishments where liquor was sold secretly. These hidden bars, known as speakeasies, operated covertly to evade the strict laws of the time. One particular term that was commonly used to refer to these illegal establishments was “blind tiger.” But why exactly was a speakeasy called a blind tiger?
The term “blind tiger” was coined as a way to mask the true nature of these illegal bars. By using a name that seemingly had nothing to do with alcohol, speakeasies could avoid drawing attention from law enforcement officials who were actively seeking to shut them down. The use of animal-related names was a popular tactic during this time, as it provided a plausible cover story for the activities taking place within the establishment.
The word “blind” in “blind tiger” suggests that the place was hidden or unknown to the public, much like the secretive nature of speakeasies themselves. It implies that the location was not easily visible or accessible to those who were not in the know. This added an air of mystery and exclusivity to these hidden bars, making them more alluring to those seeking a drink during the Prohibition Era.
The choice of the word “tiger” in the term “blind tiger” may have been influenced by the popularity of exotic animal displays during that time. It was not uncommon for establishments to feature live animal exhibits or displays to attract patrons. By associating themselves with these animal displays, speakeasies could operate under the guise of being a legitimate venue, while still offering alcohol to customers.
The term “blind tiger” also served as a form of code language among those involved in the illegal alcohol trade. It allowed people to discreetly discuss and refer to speakeasies without explicitly stating their true purpose. This was crucial in a time when authorities were actively trying to crack down on illegal alcohol sales.
While the exact origin of the term “blind tiger” is not clear, it became widely used during the Prohibition Era and remains a memorable part of that time in history. The use of code words and animal-related names helped speakeasies maintain a level of secrecy and avoid detection by law enforcement. The allure of these hidden bars, with their hidden entrances and exclusive atmosphere, made them popular social destinations despite the illegality of their operations.
A speakeasy was called a blind tiger to disguise its true purpose as an illegal bar during the Prohibition Era. The term helped create an air of mystery and exclusivity while providing a code language for those involved in the illegal alcohol trade. By adopting animal-related names, speakeasies were able to operate covertly and avoid unwanted attention from authorities. The term “blind tiger” remains a fascinating part of the history of illegal alcohol sales and the cultural landscape of the Prohibition Era.