John Barleycorn

noun

1. a personification of barley as used in malt liquor, of malt liquor itself, or of any intoxicating liquor.

John Barleycorn

noun

1. humorous.
   the personification of alcohol, esp of malt spirits

Word History and Origins

Origin of John Barleycorn¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

The New York Times took a cheekier approach with its front page headline: “John Barleycorn Died Peacefully at the Toll of 12.”

From New York Times

But come November Hangman wakes up again, sort of like John Barleycorn in reverse.

From Literature

Later, about 300 people gathered for a fundraiser at John Barleycorn in River North, where the price of admission was a symbolic $20.16 per person.

From Chicago Tribune

Led by the clergy, countless campaigns were mounted to persuade people to curb their consumption of John Barleycorn.

From Forbes

John Barleycorn, a humorous personification of barley as the source of malt liquor or whisky.

From Project Gutenberg