Abstract
What is a shebeen and what is the origin of this term? This is the first question we will try to answer in detail. "The exact origins of the word shebeen are unknown, but it most likely came into popular use in Ireland from the Irish-Gaelic language before spreading to the English-speaking regions of Ireland." Thus, we will have to cross the oceans in order to find the origin of the South African term "shebeen." Etymologically, the word "shebeen" comes from the Irish Gaelic "séibín" which has different meanings. This word is defined as a "measure of grain" or a "grain tax." It can also mean "bad ale." It is in fact a diminutive of "séibe," that means "mug" or "bottle." There is another definition for "shebeen" or "séibín": "Chiefly in Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Zimbabwe, a shebeen (Irish: "sibín") is an illicit bar or club where excisable alcoholic beverages are sold without a license." This definition is the one of interest here because it shows that in Europe such places also existed and still exist today. Nevertheless, the origin of South African shebeens remains a mystery because people also say that "In South Africa, the word is believed to have derived from the Zulu word "shibhile," meaning "cheap.""
