What does grog mean?
Grog is an English word for an alcoholic drink, especially a diluted rum mixture, and, in Australian and New Zealand English, for alcoholic liquor in general. Its best-known historical association is with the rum ration issued to British sailors during the eighteenth century, when diluted rum helped make strong spirits more drinkable at sea. The word also developed an informal verb meaning to drink alcohol, often with the implication of habitual drinking. In literary and historical contexts, “grog” can evoke sailors, taverns, naval life, and the rough or boisterous culture associated with alcohol. In contemporary usage, it is less common than general terms such as liquor or booze, except in regional speech and in established expressions like “grog ration” and “grog shop.” The word is also the source of derivatives such as “groggy,” meaning unsteady or dazed, although the connection reflects drinking-related associations rather than a direct modern formation.
An alcoholic drink, especially rum diluted with water and sometimes sugar; in Australian and New Zealand English, alcoholic liquor in general.
"They served grog and stale bread to the weary crew."
The narrower sense is especially associated with maritime and historical contexts.
To drink alcoholic liquor, especially habitually.
"The sailors continued to grog long after the port had closed."
Chiefly informal and used mainly in Australian and New Zealand English.
Grog is generally an uncountable noun and does not normally take a plural.
"The crew was given a generous serving of grog."
The word grog is traditionally linked to Admiral Edward Vernon, whose sailors called their rum ration “grog,” probably in reference to his famous grogram coat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of grog
The word dates from the mid-seventeenth century and is generally traced to an alteration of “grogg,” an earlier form of the drink name. “Grogg” came through Old French gros, meaning large or strong, ultimately from Latin grossus. The best-known story links the name to Admiral Edward Vernon, nicknamed “Old Grog,” whose sailors supposedly called their diluted rum ration grog.
Related word forms
How grog is actually used
Historically, grog referred specifically to a drink made with rum, water, and often sugar. In modern Australian and New Zealand English, it can mean alcoholic liquor generally. The verb is informal and suggests drinking alcohol, often regularly or heavily.