What’s in a name… Why is gin called ‘Mother’s Ruin’? - 6 O'clock Gin (2024)

What’s in a name… Why is gin called ‘Mother’s Ruin’? - 6 O'clock Gin (1)

By 6 O'clock Despatch on Monday 8th March 2021

Our favourite tipple has gone by many names over the years. Dutch courage, ladies’ delight and knock me down are just a few, but perhaps the most common and widespread of these nicknames is Mother’s Ruin. With Mother’s Day around the corner, we thought there was no better time to explore the origin of this somewhat foreboding pseudonym.

What is the origin of the name ‘Mother’s Ruin’?

The story starts back in the late 1600s, when William of Orange took to the British throne. The Dutch Prince wanted to reduce the amount of French brandy being imported into the country due to a long running feud with France’s king Louis XIV. He needed to make an alternative spirit more accessible to the nation in order to weaken France’s economy, so in 1690, he passed legislation allowing anyone to sell and distil grain spirit (and therefore gin) from their own homes.

From this point until parliament had to intervene with a new Gin Act in 1736, thousands of distilleries popped up all over England, with everyday citizens peddling spirit of dubious quality from their homes, on market stalls, and even in barber shops. At the height of this craze, over 10 million gallons of gin were being distilled in the capital each year, and the average Londoner was drinking 14 gallons per annum!

When the 1736 Gin Act was introduced establishing a retail tax for gin and chargeable annual licenses for its distillers, production and sales went underground. Thus, the already questionable quality of the spirit deteriorated further and there was a frenzy among drinkers to get their fix of their favourite tipple, which was getting harder to come by.

And here we come to the nickname. Much of the excess consumption of gin was done by the poorest women, striving to fend off the cold and the hunger they faced. They would go to any length to get a dram – there are even reports children being sold to pay for a bottle! Thus, the term Mother’s Ruin was coined. Thankfully, nowadays we have much stricter regulations on the quality of spirits!

Celebrate Mother’s Day with 6 O’clock Gin

So there you have it – a not-so-festive story about the not so maternal history of one of gin’s most common nicknames! These days, mothers everywhere enjoy the delicious taste of professionally crafted gin, so why not pick up a bottle of your mum’s favourite tipple in time for Mothering Sunday on 14th March?

Use code TreatingMum when purchasing any 70cl 6 O’clock Gin through our online shop until Saturday 13th March*, and we’ll throw in an extra “lucky dip” gift with your purchase. Possible gifts include 70cl, 35cl and 5cl bottles, RTD cans and our branded 6 O’clock Gin jiggers – now’s the time to treat your mum!

*Please order before 12pm on Wednesday 10th March for delivery in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday 14th March.

Sources

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Mothers-Ruin/

https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1108/gin/history-of-gin-1638-1726

What’s in a name… Why is gin called ‘Mother’s Ruin’? - 6 O'clock Gin (2024)

FAQs

What’s in a name… Why is gin called ‘Mother’s Ruin’? - 6 O'clock Gin? ›

Much of the excess consumption of gin was done by the poorest women, striving to fend off the cold and the hunger they faced. They would go to any length to get a dram – there are even reports children being sold to pay for a bottle! Thus, the term Mother's Ruin was coined.

Why do they call gin Mother's Ruin? ›

The gin obsession was blamed for misery, rising crime, madness, higher death rates and falling birth rates. Gin joints allowed women to drink alongside men for the first time and it is thought this led many women neglecting their children and turning to prostitution, hence gin becoming known as 'Mother's Ruin'.

Was gin a poor mans drink? ›

Gin had become the poor man's drink as it was cheap, and some workers were given gin as part of their wages. Duty paid on gin was 2 pence a gallon, as opposed to 4 shillings and nine pence on strong beer.

What is the mother's ruin abortion? ›

However, the implications of women drinking gin became negative, and the term "Mother's Ruin" was coined, although its origins remain unclear. It may have been related to the use of gin in abortions, as the juniper berry is lethal to fetuses.

Is gin bad for depression? ›

While gin is a depressant, this doesn't mean it will cause depression. Drinking gin won't make people feel any more depressed than if they were to drink other spirits, such as whisky or vodka.

Why is Gon called Mother's Ruin? ›

Much of the excess consumption of gin was done by the poorest women, striving to fend off the cold and the hunger they faced. They would go to any length to get a dram – there are even reports children being sold to pay for a bottle! Thus, the term Mother's Ruin was coined.

What does gin do to a woman's weight loss? ›

Promotes Weight Loss

Gin has fewer calories as compared to other alcoholic beverages, making it a healthier choice for those watching their weight. According to a USDA data, a standard glass of gin typically contains around 97 calories, although this can vary depending on the brand and other components of your drink.

Why was gin banned in London? ›

Although the sale of gin was officially outlawed, consumption was equivalent to every man, women and child drinking two pints every week. England was at the height of the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) and a New Act was sought to reduce gin consumption, settle public unrest and raise revenue for the war effort.

Why is gin better than wine? ›

Compared to other alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, one serving of gin is low in calories and carbs. On its own, it contains no added sugars. The nutrition for 1 shot of gin (1.5 fluid ounces) is as follows, per the USDA: 1 (1.5-oz.)

Why drink gin over vodka? ›

With all gins, other botanicals can and are often added during distillation, so gin regularly stands alone as a flavourful, defined beverage. It's often said that vodka is flavourless and gin has botanical flavours.

What is destruction of unborn baby in mother's womb called? ›

In Indian Law, feticide is considered a form of "culpable homicide". Section 316 of the Indian Penal Code defines the crime as "an act (that) cause(s) the death of a quick unborn child", but only applies when it occurs as an effect of another crime which would cause death, such as the murder of the mother.

How does unwanted pregnancy affect the mother? ›

Women with unplanned pregnancies that were unwanted are more likely to smoke, use illicit drugs and be at greater risk for maternal anxiety and depression.

What does abortion mean? ›

Abortion is the removal of pregnancy tissue, products of conception or the fetus and placenta (afterbirth) from the uterus. In general, the terms fetus and placenta are used after eight weeks of pregnancy.

Why do I cry after drinking gin? ›

On a biological level, alcohol also impacts the body's natural serotonin and endorphin levels, which are known as the body's feel-good chemicals and are essential for regulating our overall mood. When anything impacts these chemicals, including alcohol, mood swings can appear as can tears.

Is gin the worst alcohol for your liver? ›

Myth 3: Drinking hard liquor is worse than drinking beer or wine. Contrary to popular belief, the type of alcohol you drink doesn't make a difference – what matters is how much you drink. "The safe limit is fixed at 14 units a week," explains Dr Lui. "Below this limit, alcoholic fatty liver is less likely to occur.

What is the healthiest alcohol to drink? ›

However, if you are going to drink, having red wine in moderation is a healthier choice than other alcoholic drinks. This is due to its high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been linked to better heart and gut health.

Why does gin have a bad reputation? ›

Distilling and selling gin was a means to an end: drunkenness. A balm for the souls of London's impoverished lower class, gin was also the fuel for crime and violence. Gin quickly and uniquely became associated with poverty, extreme drunkenness, madness, death and inferiority.

What does gin mean in the Bible? ›

Smith's Bible Dictionary - Gin

Gin, [N] [E] a trap for birds or beasts; it consisted of a net, ( Isaiah 8:14 ) and a stick to act as a spring. ( Amos 3:5 ) [N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible.

What is the old nickname for gin? ›

As more women became hooked on gin between 1720 and 1757, this led to the mistreatment of their children and a rise in prostitution. Women became more addicted to gin than their male counterparts – gaining the juniper-based spirit the nickname 'Mother's Ruin'.

Why do they say gin makes you cry? ›

So, why does this on-trend beverage make us feel this way? The study shows if you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions about a certain situation, and then consume alcohol, you are more likely to reveal these feelings involuntary.

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