Life — June 14, 1929 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cover illustrates a lighthearted play on "Scotch" — referring both to Scottish heritage and Prohibition-era illegal whisky. Two Scottish terriers (literally "Scotch" dogs) appear to be sharing a drink, with one offering the other what looks like a small glass or bottle. The joke operates on a visual pun: instead of depicting humans illegally consuming alcohol during Prohibition (1920-1933), the magazine substitutes Scottish dogs engaged in the same behavior. The humor derives from the double meaning of "Scotch" and the absurdity of anthropomorphized dogs participating in illegal drinking. The library stamp and date confirm this is genuine period ephemera reflecting American popular culture during the Prohibition era.