Linguistics and etymology
The dictionary definition for vodka is as follows:
Vodka /ˈvädkə/ noun An alcoholic spirit of Russian origin made by distillation of rye, wheat, or potatoes. Search for the definition of vodka online, and nearly every dictionary will state that it is of "Russian origin." When referring to the drink, this assumption is under some dispute amongst Eastern European countries, which can be explored further here, but unlike the beverage, the origin of the word, "vodka" is not in question. Until recently, "vodka" was not a word well-known around the world, but in the early 1900's, something happened that would alter the meaning of the word permanently. "Vodka" comes from the Russian word, "voda," meaning "water." By adding the "k" sound into the spelling, Russians were able to create a distinct word that referred to a substance that was like water, but not water. |
That's right, a beverage 'like water,' and not what we refer to when we say "vodka" today. At the time of the drink's conception, somewhere around the 8th century A.D., the word vodka referred to all alcoholic spirits, other than wine and beer. Poland often brags that vodka—specifically the drink that we refer to today—was invented in their country, but that statement plays the instigator in a large nationalist dispute between many Eastern European countries, primarily Russia and Poland. And it isn't the only legal or political debate the vodka has fueled.
Today, the word "vodka" primarily refers to the clear alcoholic beverage cited by the dictionary definition, though not always Russian. As some bar owners will point out, today vodka is made all over the world, and some drinkers have a taste for their domestic brews, despite the assumed history of its origin.
Sources: [5].[6].[7],[9]
Today, the word "vodka" primarily refers to the clear alcoholic beverage cited by the dictionary definition, though not always Russian. As some bar owners will point out, today vodka is made all over the world, and some drinkers have a taste for their domestic brews, despite the assumed history of its origin.
Sources: [5].[6].[7],[9]