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bug-juice

American  
[buhg-joos] / ˈbʌgˌdʒus /

noun

Slang.
  1. an alcoholic beverage, especially of an inferior quality.

  2. an unusual or concocted drink.


Etymology

Origin of bug-juice

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One consequence, since Gottlieb’s was the only kosher bakery, was that snack time at day camp was bug juice and a thick, dense Gottlieb’s shortbread cookie.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2021

“They would open their back yard to kids in the neighborhood. The snacks were laid out: bug juice and paper cups for every kid.”

From The New Yorker • Mar. 20, 2017

They’ve put in urgent calls to an agricultural extension expert, asking how to wash away a dull purple resin — bug juice — crushed cicadas leave behind.

From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2013

“EPA-approved” does not necessarily mean your bug juice works.

From Slate • May 14, 2013

When a mission took them to the mountains, they carried mosquito netting, machetes, canvas tarps, and extra bug juice.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

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