Definition of bitter lemon

bitter lemonnoun

chanh đắng

/ˌbɪtə ˈlemən//ˌbɪtər ˈlemən/

The origin of the term "bitter lemon" can be traced back to the late 19th century when the carbonated drink first appeared in the European market. The drink was originally made by infusing lemon juice with quinine, a compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, which was commonly used as a malaria treatment. Quinine has a bitter taste and was added to the lemon juice to disguise its medicinal taste. Over time, the term "bitter lemon" came to refer specifically to the carbonated lemon drink infused with quinine. The drink gained popularity during the colonial era, when Europeans traveling to tropical colonies such as India and Africa were at high risk of contracting malaria. Bitter lemon became a popular prophylactic against the disease due to the presence of quinine, which has been shown to have effective anti-malarial properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, bitter lemon also became a popular beverage in its own right. The bitter taste, which was initially viewed as a drawback, began to be appreciated for its unique flavor. Today, bitter lemon is enjoyed as a refreshing beverage in many parts of the world, and has become a classic ingredient in mixed drinks such as the traditional gin and tonic. Overall, the origin of the term "bitter lemon" reflects a unique intersection of history, culture, and commerce that has helped shape our society's evolving taste preferences and health beliefs.

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Example:
  • The waitress brought me a glass of bitter lemon as a complementary beverage, but I didn't enjoy its tart and sour taste.

    Cô phục vụ mang cho tôi một ly chanh đắng như một thức uống miễn phí, nhưng tôi không thích vị chua của nó.

  • I hate the taste of bitter lemon, as it reminds me of cleaning products and unpleasant smells.

    Tôi ghét vị đắng của chanh vì nó làm tôi nhớ đến các sản phẩm tẩy rửa và mùi khó chịu.

  • The author's writing style is bitter and harsh, similar to the tangy flavor of bitter lemon.

    Phong cách viết của tác giả có phần cay đắng và gắt, tương tự như vị chua của chanh đắng.

  • The musician's haunting melody, like bitter lemon, left a sour taste in my mouth.

    Giai điệu ám ảnh của người nhạc sĩ, như chanh đắng, để lại vị chua trong miệng tôi.

  • The chef used bitter lemon as a unique ingredient in the dish, giving it a tangy and unexpected flavor.

    Đầu bếp đã sử dụng chanh đắng như một thành phần độc đáo trong món ăn, mang đến cho nó hương vị chua và bất ngờ.

  • I found the cold weather of the city to be like bitter lemon, harsh and bitter, rather than delightful.

    Tôi thấy thời tiết lạnh giá của thành phố giống như chanh đắng, khắc nghiệt và đắng ngắt, thay vì dễ chịu.

  • Her bitter tone of voice was as sour as a glass of bitter lemon that she had mistaken for water.

    Giọng nói cay đắng của cô chua như một ly chanh đắng mà cô tưởng là nước lọc.

  • The orange juice was without a doubt sweeter than a glass of bitter lemon, and tasted more like a drinkable dessert.

    Nước cam chắc chắn ngọt hơn một ly chanh đắng và có vị giống như một món tráng miệng dễ uống hơn.

  • The memory of that glass of bitter lemon lingered in my mind, as bitter as the taste.

    Ký ức về ly chanh đắng đó vẫn còn đọng lại trong tâm trí tôi, đắng như hương vị của nó.

  • He was like a glass of bitter lemon, soured by life's unpleasantness, but determined to persevere.

    Ông giống như một ly chanh đắng, chua chát vì những điều khó chịu của cuộc sống, nhưng vẫn quyết tâm kiên trì.