Corn Liquor
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "corn likker" (or "corn liquor") is a slang name for moonshine made from corn mash. It’s a classic hill-country term for unaged corn whiskey, often homemade.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I just remember my Momma tellin' me what 'get our corn from a jar' in 'Rocky Top' meant. That's where 'corn likker' comes in. Have I ever had any? Can't say. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I just remember my Momma tellin' me what 'get our corn from a jar' in 'Rocky Top' meant. That's where 'corn likker' comes in. Have I ever had any? Can't say. Pronunciation
[KORN LICK-er]
Meaning & Usage
- Homemade or unaged corn whiskey (noun/dialect)
Mae:
What’s in that jug?
What’s in that jug?
Earl:
Corn likker - straight from the still.
Corn likker - straight from the still.- General nickname for moonshine (noun/dialect)
Mae:
Granddad ran corn likker through these hills back in the day.
Granddad ran corn likker through these hills back in the day.variations: corn whiskey
★ The "likker" spelling captures the authentic pronunciation. This term instantly evokes Mason jars, hidden stills, and Appalachian folkways. ★
Origin and Etymology
From the practice of making whiskey from corn mash in the Appalachian Mountains. "Corn liquor" became "corn likker" in dialect speech. It’s documented in songs, folklore, and court records throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Usage Notes
Still recognized today as a quintessential Appalachian moonshine term. Outsiders mostly encounter it in songs or stories about Prohibition or bootlegging.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "corn likker." Spelled "corn liquor" or "corn likker," but almost always pronounced "likker."