Aguardiente

/ˌɑːɡwɑːrdiːˈɛnteɪ/ noun

Definition

A strong alcoholic spirit, typically brandy or a clear distilled liquor, common in Spain and Latin America.

Etymology

From Spanish 'agua ardiente' (burning water or fiery water), literally 'agua' (water) plus 'ardiente' (burning), describing the intense heat of hard liquor.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'agua ardiente' (burning water) is literally what Spanish speakers called all distilled spirits because they burned the throat—it's the same idea as 'firewater' in English, showing how different cultures independently nicknamed hard liquor by its sensation.

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