eggnog
UK[ˈɛɡnɒɡ]US[ˈɛɡnɑːɡ]
n
A thick, sweet, creamy drink made from eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and often alcohol such as rum or brandy, traditionally consumed at Christmas.
Etymology
The term 'eggnog' is a straightforward English compound, first appearing in the late 18th century. It directly names its two key components: 'egg', the primary ingredient, and 'nog', a word historically referring to a strong, old English ale. The drink likely evolved from the medieval British posset, a hot, milky, ale-based beverage. Over time, especially in American tradition, the ale was commonly replaced with spirits like rum or brandy, and it became firmly associated with winter and Christmas celebrations.
Analysis
The word is a compound of two English words, 'egg' and 'nog'. 'Egg' is from Middle English, from Old Norse 'egg'. 'Nog' is of uncertain origin, possibly from 'noggin' (a small mug) or from a dialectal English term for strong ale.
Examples
Every Christmas Eve, my grandfather makes his famous spiced eggnog.
The store sells both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of eggnog.
She sprinkled a little nutmeg on top of the frothy eggnog.