/ Register

  1. Please take 30 seconds to register your free account to remove most ads, post topics, make friends, earn reward points at our store, and more!  
     
    TalkBass.com has been uniting the low end since 1998.  Join us! :)

Where did the term "proof" come from?

Discussion in 'Off Topic [BG]' started by reel big bassist, Sep 30, 2002.


  1. Sep 30, 2002 #1
    reel big bassist

    reel big bassist

    Mar 27, 2000
    Maryland
    Hello fellow talkbassers,
    Come this wednsday I will be 21 years old. I'm really excited. Now I have a question for you guys and gals. Where did the term "proof" originate from? Why don't we just say 40% alcohol instead of 80 proof. I think saying 40% alcohol is clearer. Thanks guys and gals, this has been puzzling me for the longest time.
    Sincerely,
    -Greg P
     
  4. Sep 30, 2002 #2
    JMX

    JMX Vorsprung durch Technik

    Sep 4, 2000
    Cologne, Germany
    taken from:

    http://www.ex.ac.uk/cimt/dictunit/notes6.htm#whatproof
     
  8. Sep 30, 2002 #3
    reel big bassist

    reel big bassist

    Mar 27, 2000
    Maryland
    Thanks JMX for clearing that up. I always wondered what the origin of "proof" was.
     
  11. Sep 30, 2002 #4
    Eric Cameron

    Eric Cameron

    Mar 24, 2000
    6.02 x 10^23 microns away
    I always thought it was what you said when you took a good hard slug of something that read, "Best if not drunk near open flame" on the label.

    :D

    Rock on
    Eric
     
  14. Sep 30, 2002 #5
    Bigfeet

    Bigfeet Registered

    Jun 21, 2001
    in my own little spot... don't touch me!
    I want my absinthe ****it! 78% proof... :eek:
     
  17. Sep 30, 2002 #6
    tallguybcs

    tallguybcs Guest

    Feb 11, 2000
    San Diego State University
    78 proof? Paah! 80 proof or bust :D
     
  20. Sep 30, 2002 #7
    DanGouge

    DanGouge

    May 25, 2000
    Canada!
    Ron Brugal 151 proof, that's where it's at!
     
  24. Sep 30, 2002 #8
    ATLPUNK246

    ATLPUNK246

    Jun 26, 2001
    no... everclear- 190 proof is where it's at
     
  27. Sep 30, 2002 #9
    Eric Cameron

    Eric Cameron

    Mar 24, 2000
    6.02 x 10^23 microns away
    If it doesn't make your short and curlies stand straight out it ain't a good drink.

    I love that quote.:D

    Rock on
    Eric
     
  30. Sep 30, 2002 #10
    merlin

    merlin

    Apr 15, 2000
    Adelaide, South Australia
    Have you got proof of that? har har :rolleyes:

    We dont use that term here. its just 20% etc...

    :D:D

    Merls
     
  33. Sep 30, 2002 #11
    tallguybcs

    tallguybcs Guest

    Feb 11, 2000
    San Diego State University
    Have you actually TRIED that?

    Ill stick to 2 shots of vodka to one of everclear.
     
  36. Oct 1, 2002 #12
    ATLPUNK246

    ATLPUNK246

    Jun 26, 2001
    Yes I have. Its actually good. It tastes like vodka when mixed with somthing, but straight is no good