Shmurdyak - what is it? The expression "shmurdyak" can often be heard in colloquial speech. The most interesting thing is that the meaning of this word is different for different segments of the population. In this article, we will try to figure out where this jargon came from and what it means.
Meaning of the word “Shmurdyak”
It is widely believed that a shmurdyak is an “elixir”, so to speak, a “lifesaver” to “improve health” for drunkards and alcoholics. Indeed, this word means cheap alcohol, fortified wine of very poor quality. In addition, all the charm of such alcohol lies precisely in its low cost.
Shmurdyak - what is it?
Now this question can be heard from an ignorant layman. And in the days of the former Soviet Union, when the variety of alcoholic drinks was not very large, this term meant one type of alcohol.
Even the names of alcoholic beverages, referred to only as shmurdyak, have been preserved in the people's memory. These are: “Port 13” and “Port 33”. Cheap alcohol was sometimes called “Zakhar Zakharych.”
If you look into the explanatory dictionary, you can read the designation of this word - wine is of very poor quality, an alcoholic drink with a bad smell. Synonyms for this word are also very eloquent: “scum”, “mumble”, “shmurdya”.
Shmurdyak recipe
The name of this alcoholic drink denotes a mixture of some ingredients, the combination of which will result in a dark wine, in other words, a bad wine.
The recipe for such a drink is very simple, it can easily be made at home. To do this, take red wine, preferably dry, and add alcohol and sugar to taste to it. Sometimes, for a change, such a drink is “seasoned” with tobacco, soda or nuts.
Warning: the drink has not only not a very pleasant taste and color, but is also endowed with an unpleasant odor. This is especially felt after taking the shmurdyak inside. Bad breath can leave a bad impression about the person taking these drinks.
This recipe is for informational purposes only. We do not advise you to experiment with poor quality alcohol. And in general, do not forget that the abuse of alcohol is harmful to health.
Other meanings of the word "shmurdyak" (taken from the people)
Shmurdyak - what is it? Popular rumor gave this word several more different meanings. It is clear that it does not mean anything good or pleasant.
It is generally accepted that a shmurdyak is a remnant of something or a sediment somewhere in the bad sense of the word. For example, the same sediment at the bottom of a wine bottle.
With this word, people who are in places not so distant call tea leaves for making chifira.
Sometimes clots of paint formed during its filtration through a grid are so designated.
This expression can be heard in the phrase "knead shmurdyak", which means a poor road in the ditches and pits.
In other words, everything that has a sediment, thick, turbidity, mess, sucks, in the common people is called the word "shmurdyak".
History of occurrence
There are several versions regarding the history of this word. Unfortunately, they are not confirmed by anything and are justified by popular rumor.
The place where this word appears is Odessa. It is here that the question: "Shmurdyak - what is it?" almost never sounds. Because this word in Odessa has long been called wines that are created by blending (mixing in a certain ratio of different types of alcoholic beverages) or wines fortified with alcohol.
All kinds of “young” wines, as well as non-clarified drinks of home-made fermentation, are considered to be black wine.
Another version is more like a legend, but also has a right to exist. Rumor has it that in the last century in Vladivostok, the director of one of the distilleries had the name Shmurdyak.
The quality of the alcoholic beverages produced at this plant was of such poor quality that the name of the negligent director began to denote unsuitable products. Over time, the common name became known throughout the country.
Now the market for alcoholic beverages is more diverse than ever. All are well informed about the dangers of alcohol, and at the same time, store shelves are constantly updated with new products. Do not risk your health. Give preference to good quality alcohol. And this article is just a story about one of the types of alcoholic beverages, which is generally not recommended to be consumed.