screech

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1957
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/42660

screech n "Screech" got its name in wartime. It was then a standard spirit of constant and potent quality. It was im- ported from Demerara County in British Guiana- a good grade of cheap rum received in a two-way trade for salt fish. It was so powerful that Canadian servicemen stationed in Newfoundland, having imbibed it cop- iously under the mistaken impression that it was like the watered-down product which they were used to buying on the Mainland, literally went into the horrors and "screeched." Hence its name.But with the coming of Confederation this famous fire water fell from its former high estate. Water and more water was added. And still more water.The standard Screech of this year grace.consists of a base of straight Jamaica rum imported at proof strength, and diluted with Newfoundland lake water. Prune juice is added, along with a dash of salt petre, to give it good colour, body, and to mask the taste somewhat. PRINTED ITEM DNE-cit G.M.Story February 1957 Used I and Sup Used I and Sup Used I [see 'block and tackle'] 'Newfie Screech'