The term “a fifth of liquor” originated from the standard bottle size for liquor in the United States. Back in the day, liquor was commonly measured and sold in gallons. A fifth of a gallon, which is equivalent to 1/5 or 20% of a gallon, became the standard size for liquor bottles.
The practice of measuring and selling liquor in gallons dates back many centuries. In fact, the gallon was commonly used as a unit of measurement for liquids in various industries. However, when it came to selling liquor, the gallon was not a practical size for individual consumers.
To meet the demand for smaller, more manageable quantities of liquor, distilleries and retailers began using smaller bottle sizes. One such size, which quickly gained popularity, was the fifth of a gallon. This size was convenient for both consumers and producers, as it provided a reasonable amount of liquor for personal use without being too large or too small.
The term “a fifth of liquor” became popularized and widely used in the late 19th century. People would ask for “a fifth” when purchasing liquor, referring to the specific bottle size. Over time, this phrase became ingrained in the vernacular and continues to be used today, even though the actual bottle sizes may have changed.
It’s worth noting that the term “a fifth” is primarily used in the United States. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, liquor is typically sold in metric measurements, such as milliliters or liters. So, the term “a fifth” may not be as commonly used or understood outside of the US.
Interestingly, the term “a fifth” also highlights a historical quirk related to bottle sizes. In the late 19th century, some stores in the US sold bottles labeled as quarts but actually contained less than a quart. This deceptive practice led to confusion among consumers, and the term “a fifth” offered a more accurate and reliable way to specify the desired quantity of liquor.
The term “a fifth of liquor” originated from the standard bottle size for liquor in the US, which was approximately one-fifth of a gallon. This size was convenient for both consumers and producers, and the term became widely used to refer to this specific bottle size. While the actual bottle sizes may have changed over time, the term “a fifth” continues to be used as a colloquial way of referring to a standard quantity of liquor in the US.