A speakeasy was an illicit establishment that sold alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), when alcohol production, distribution, and sale were banned by law. The term "speakeasy" originated from the practice of speaking quietly or "easily" about these secret bars to avoid alerting law enforcement or neighbors
. Speakeasies were often hidden in inconspicuous locations such as basements, behind unmarked doors, or disguised as legitimate businesses. Entry frequently required a password, secret knock, or insider knowledge to keep out authorities. These venues became cultural hubs featuring live jazz, dancing, and social gatherings, attracting diverse groups of people despite the risks involved
. Today, modern speakeasies are legal bars or clubs that recreate the secretive, vintage atmosphere of the original Prohibition-era speakeasies. They often have discreet entrances, dim lighting, and an intimate ambiance, offering specialty cocktails and a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the past
. In summary, a speakeasy is historically a secret bar that operated illegally during Prohibition, and today it refers to bars inspired by that clandestine style and culture
