pickle juice

American  

[pik-uhl joos] / ˈpɪk əl ˌdʒus /

noun

1. the vinegar-rich brine that vegetables, eggs, etc., have been preserved in, especially the liquid in a jar of dill pickles, sometimes consumed for its purported health benefits.

2. any briny, vinegar-rich beverage purported to have such health benefits as muscle cramp relief and blood glucose control, but also high enough in sodium and acidity to be potentially risky for those with such conditions as hypertension and stomach ulcers.

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Etymology

Origin of pickle juice

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Taste before reaching for additional salt; the pickle juice may have already done the work.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Despite attempting to play down the issue, Alcaraz glugging pickle juice - an acidic liquid found to stop cramping 40% faster than drinking water - was a sure sign that it was an issue.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Alcaraz continued but his movement was hampered and he lost his first set of the tournament, before the pickle juice kicked in and he fought on.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

He drank four jars of pickle juice before reentering, a hiatus that probably cost him the club’s single-game rushing record.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

We would be strolling along, pickle juice from Uri’s chin spattering the sidewalk, when I would see something and take it.

From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli