beer parlour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, somewhat dated/archaic, regional (esp. Canadian).
Quick answer
What does “beer parlour” mean?
A public establishment, typically simple and informal, where beer is the main alcoholic drink served and consumed on the premises.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A public establishment, typically simple and informal, where beer is the main alcoholic drink served and consumed on the premises.
A term historically used for a type of bar or tavern, often with a specific licensing distinction (e.g., in Canada, where it once referred to an establishment licensed to sell beer but not spirits). It can evoke a specific, often dated, social atmosphere.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'pub', 'public house', or simply 'bar' are standard. 'Beer parlour' is very rare and sounds archaic or quaint. In American English, 'bar', 'tavern', or 'saloon' are standard; 'beer parlour' is also rare and dated. The term had specific legal and cultural currency in 20th-century Canada.
Connotations
In UK/US: archaic, possibly quaint or humorous. In Canadian historical context: a specific licensed venue, often with gendered seating rules ('beverage rooms').
Frequency
Extremely low in contemporary UK and US English. Higher historical frequency in Canadian English, now declining.
Grammar
How to Use “beer parlour” in a Sentence
They went to the beer parlour.The beer parlour on Main Street closed.He spent his evenings in the beer parlour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beer parlour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- He had a beer-parlour pallor.
- It was a classic beer-parlour atmosphere.
American English
- He had a beer-parlor pallor.
- It was a classic beer-parlor atmosphere.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in historical business records or licensing discussions.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or cultural studies discussing 20th-century drinking establishments, particularly in Canada.
Everyday
Very rare. An older person might use it nostalgically.
Technical
Used in historical legal texts regarding liquor licensing classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beer parlour”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beer parlour”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beer parlour”
- Using it to describe a modern craft beer bar (incorrect register).
- Spelling 'parlour' as 'parlor' in a British context.
- Assuming it is a common term in the UK or US.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite rare and considered dated or archaic in most English-speaking regions.
A 'pub' (UK) is a general term for a public house serving various drinks and often food. A 'beer parlour' specifically emphasises beer, often in a simpler setting, and is not a standard contemporary term in the UK.
In American English, it would typically be spelled 'beer parlor'.
It is not recommended, as it would sound oddly old-fashioned. Use 'bar', 'pub', or 'tavern' instead.
A public establishment, typically simple and informal, where beer is the main alcoholic drink served and consumed on the premises.
Beer parlour is usually informal, somewhat dated/archaic, regional (esp. canadian). in register.
Beer parlour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪə ˌpɑːlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪr ˌpɑːrlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PARLOUR (a room for guests) where the only thing served is BEER. It's not a fancy living room, but a simple room for drinking beer.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT IS A SOCIAL ROOM (parlour).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English was 'beer parlour' a specific legal/licensing term?