highball
UK[ˈhaɪbɔːl]US[ˈhaɪbɔːl]
n
a drink consisting of an alcoholic spirit, especially whisky, and a mixer such as soda water, served with ice in a tall glass.
n
a railroad signal indicating full speed ahead.
v
to drive or move very fast.
Morpheme Breakdown
high
ball
high
ball
Etymology
the term 'highball' originated in american railroad slang of the late 19th century. a 'high ball' referred to a raised ball-shaped signal which indicated to a train engineer that the track was clear and to proceed at full speed. this sense of fast, unimpeded movement was then transferred to describe a quickly consumed drink served in a tall glass, emphasizing speed and ease. the verb form, meaning to move swiftly, derives directly from the railroad signal command.
Analysis
Structure: high + ball
high (old english, meaning of great vertical extent); ball (old english, meaning a spherical object or a formal social gathering for dancing).
Examples
he ordered a whisky highball at the bar.
the conductor gave the highball, and the train began to accelerate.
they decided to highball down the highway to make up for lost time.