fire·wa·ter 
(fīrwô′tər, -wŏt′ər)
(fīrwô′tər, -wŏt′ər)n.
Slang
Slang
Strong liquor, especially whiskey.
[Translation of an Algonquian term such as Ojibwa ishkodewaaboo, whiskey : ishkode, fire + -waaboo, liquid (whiskey being so called because of the burning sensation produced by liquor in the mouth and throat).]