pig's ear
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Meaning · English
Beer.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
While the Cockney landlord was putting the question: “Now, gentlemen, what is it—pig's ear, a needle an' pin, or a pimple an' blotch?” (beer, a drop of gin or a thimble of Scotch) one of the larky friends released the monkey from its chain.
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 “pig's ear” mean?
Beer.
Is “pig's ear” formal or informal?
pig's ear is generally slang.