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Definition of rotgut

rotgut

/ˈrɑːt.ɡʌt/
rot · gut
Plural:rotguts
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rotgut Lexical Profile

rotgut Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Cheap, harsh, or inferior alcoholic liquor, especially when raw or adulterated and considered harmful to the stomach.

Example

"The tavern owner was fined by local authorities for selling unlabeled rotgut to his patrons."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Of very poor, harsh, or inferior quality (used especially of alcoholic liquor).

Example

"The novel describes frontier saloons that served cheap rotgut whiskey to passing prospectors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

rotationally
rotator
rote
rotgut
roti
rotifer
rotini

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century as a compound of 'rot' and 'gut', originally referring to weak, sour beer that was thought to corrode the stomach, and later applied to cheap, adulterated distilled spirits.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rotgut. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rotgut
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