corduroy

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Cheap and poor-quality whiskey.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Another description of what would be termed adulterated spirits, is by the vulgar termed "Corduroy," on account of the rough feeling which it imparts to the tongue and palate.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “corduroy” mean?

Cheap and poor-quality whiskey.

Is “corduroy” formal or informal?

corduroy is generally slang.