Q: The phrase “purple haze” has been around for centuries and was used to describe atmospheric conditions such as the sky at twilight or the air in autumn. The earliest examples date back to the 18th century, with authors like Henry Moses and Ann Radcliffe using the phrase in their works.
The expression was also used to describe the atmosphere at sea during gale winds, as seen in accounts from the late 18th century. Authors like Charles Dickens also incorporated “purple haze” into their descriptions of the setting sun.
In Booth Tarkington’s novel The Magnificent Ambersons, the phrase is likely referring to the smoky air from burning autumn leaves in a fictional Midwestern city.
The figurative meanings of “purple haze” evolved in the 20th century, eventually becoming associated with LSD and marijuana. Jimi Hendrix’s song “Purple Haze” contributed to this shift in meaning, with the lyrics hinting at a psychedelic experience.
The term “purple haze” later became a slang term for high THC content strains of marijuana, as seen in references from the 1990s onwards. Today, it is used to describe various cannabis strains known for their potency and distinctive purple leaves.
For more information on the origins and uses of “purple haze,” including its associations with LSD and marijuana, refer to the sources mentioned in the article.
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