blue ruin

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === blue ruin (uncountable) (slang, now archaic) Low-end gin, usually home-made. 1830, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Paul Clifford Ch. XVI: ‘As soon as this "sentiment" had been duly drunk, and Mr. Bagshot had dried his tears and applied himself to his favourite drink,--which, by the way, was "blue ruin,"--the work of division took place.’ Complete and utter ruin, desolation. ==== Usage notes ==== Although "blue ruin" began as a generic nickname, several brands later adopted the name in different times and places.