mash

In Appalachian speech, "mash" most often means the grain, sugar, and water mixture used in making moonshine - but it can also mean to press or crush something.

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Pronunciation

[MASH]

Meaning & Usage

- Fermenting mixture for liquor (noun)

Elmer:

Got the mash bubblin’ out back.

Estel:

Best keep it hid from the revenuer.

- Press or crush (verb)

Elmer:

Mash that button to start the generator.

Estel:

Ain’t it ‘press’?

- Soft, pulpy food mixture (noun)

Elmer:

Pigs’ll eat near anything, but they love corn mash.

Estel:

Keeps ‘em fat through winter.

other spellings: mash, mashed, mashin, and

★ If the mash is bubbling, it’s working - but if it smells "rurnt," you’ve lost a batch. ★

Origin

From Middle English "mashe" meaning a soft mixture, especially of grain or malt and hot water for brewing. The distilling sense has been part of Appalachian speech since moonshining began in the 18th century.

Notes

In moonshining, mash is the first step toward liquor - let it ferment too long, and it spoils. In everyday Southern and Appalachian talk, "mash" as a verb is still common for "press" or "squash."

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

What is mash made of for moonshine?

Typically a mix of ground grain (like cornmeal), water, sugar, and yeast left to ferment.

Is "mash" just an Appalachian thing?

The term is used anywhere brewing or distilling happens, but it’s strongly tied to Appalachian moonshining culture.

Why say "mash the button" instead of "press the button"?

It’s a regionalism that stuck - common across the South, not just in Appalachia.

Can mash be eaten?

Livestock mash can be, and some food mashes (like potato mash) are for people, but moonshine mash isn’t safe to eat once it’s fermenting.