Guinness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A dark, creamy Irish beer with a bitter taste, typically served with a thick foam head
2. A brand of dark stout ale from Ireland known for its rich flavor and distinctive appearance
3. An Irish stout beverage characterized by its dark color, smooth texture, and slightly bitter finish

Etymology: The name is an Anglicization of the Irish "Mac Aonghusa," meaning "son of Angus." Angus itself comes from the Irish "Aonghus," a name rooted in the idea of "unique choice" or "single strength," and it has long been common among Irish and Scottish families. The surname as Anglicized "Guinness" is the one most people now recognize, far better known as a brand than as a family name. Here the surname's journey matters more than its roots. Many Irish surnames beginning with "Mac" were rendered in English by dropping the prefix or by spelling the sound as it was heard, so an Irish family name could take on an English shape that hides its origin entirely. Readers meeting "Guinness" in a pub or on a bottle rarely suspect a Gaelic patronymic lies beneath it.