The term “highball” is believed to have originated from the American railroads, which saw significant development between 1828 and 1873. During this time, the term “highball” was used to describe a signal given to a train to proceed at full speed. This signal involved raising a ball on a pole to a high position, hence the term “highball.”
However, it is also suggested that the term “highball” may have English and/or Irish roots. In Ireland, the word “ball” was commonly used to refer to a glass of whiskey. This usage can be traced back to the late 19th century, particularly in golf club bars where golfers would enjoy a glass of whiskey after a game. “Ball” became a slang term for a measure of whiskey, and it is possible that this term carried over to other drinking establishments as well.
In England, the term “ball” was also used in reference to a measure of whiskey. It is said that in late 19th century England, a “ball” of whiskey referred to a specific quantity of the spirit, typically served in a glass. As whiskey was commonly enjoyed in this manner, the term “ball” became associated with a glass of whiskey.
When these two traditions merged, it is possible that the term “highball” evolved to describe a specific type of glass used for serving whiskey or other mixed drinks. The highball glass is typically tall and slender, allowing for the addition of a spirit (such as whiskey) along with a larger volume of a non-alcoholic mixer (such as soda or juice). The term “highball” may have been used to differentiate this type of glass from shorter, wider glasses used for other types of drinks.
It is important to note that the exact origins of the term “highball” are not definitively known, and there may be other theories or explanations that I am not aware of. The history of language and slang can be complex and varied, and sometimes the true origins of certain terms are lost to time.
The term “highball” likely has a combination of American, Irish, and English influences. It may have initially referred to a signal on the American railroads, but also drew from the Irish tradition of using “ball” to describe a glass of whiskey and the English tradition of using the same term for a measure of whiskey. These influences likely came together to give rise to the term “highball” as a descriptor for a specific type of glass.