shebeen

[ shuh-been ]

noun

, Scot., Irish English, South African.

1. a tavern or house where liquor is sold illegally.

shebeen

/ ʃɪˈbiːn /

noun

1. a place where alcoholic drink is sold illegally
2. (in Ireland) alcohol, esp home-distilled whiskey, sold without a licence
3. (in South Africa) a place where Black African men engage in social drinking
4. (in the US and Ireland) weak beer

Word History and Origins

Origin of shebeen¹

1780–90; < Irish síbín illicit whiskey, place where such whiskey is sold (ellipsis from teach síbín shebeen house), originally, a unit of measure < English chopin

Word History and Origins

Origin of shebeen¹

C18: from Irish Gaelic síbín beer of poor quality

Example Sentences

There are no schools nearby but plenty of shebeens, as bars in residential areas are known here.

From BBC

They have been drinking together nearly every afternoon at the local shebeen for as long as anyone can remember, until Colm abruptly and unilaterally declares an end to their friendship.

From New York Times

The stage had been converted into something like a shebeen: a pub, an African juke joint, with plastic crates for seats and lanterns for lighting.

From New York Times

These shebeens became sites of violence and risky behavior, with little oversight, a culture that continues to day, according to a 2018 World Health Organization report.

From New York Times

When asked how they were going to celebrate, the group said they would have a few pints "back at the shebeen".

From BBC