Why is hard liquor called "spirits"? Where did that come from?

Question

My hubby says because "it drains your spirits" ...hahaha... but really-... why?

Answer 1

The people to distill spirits were monks in europe along with wine and beer during the 12 century and earlier. monks tried to explain how the brown foamy mash became a clear pure water like consistancy. It was believer that the distilling process was removing the spirit from the mash and that's why. To this day in some european countries with rye whiskey drinkers, people pour out the first shot onto the ground (in order to giving the angels their share).

Answer 2

Why Is Liquor Called Spirits

Answer 3

If not mistaken the word ESPIRITOS is Greek translated to Breath of life or breathe life into. They believed the breath was the in presence of that which leaves the body at time of death.
If you can imagine having little to no understanding of the sciences that explain such a traumatic event. The only thing they could be sure of was absence of breath in their people, when they died.
Until it wears off or it can be masked the alcohol carried its own effect on the breath. Thus the presence of another spirit was apparent to all who seen heard and smelled, one whom was consumed by spirits. ( hard alcohol )

Answer 4

Wikipedia says:

The word al-ghawl is also the origin of the English word "ghoul", and the name of the star Algol. This derivation would, of course, be consistent with the use of "spirit" or "spirit of wine" as synonymous of "alcohol" in most Western languages.

Can't say that's true or not, but its an interesting theory.

Answer 5

well i can't tell you if this is the REAL reason why but from what i know that was just another term for them to use in front of kids... etc i just think people made up a "nice" way to say vodka or rum

Answer 6

its supposed to give u happy spirits

Answer 7

Huh! good question!!!!