moonshine
In Appalachian speech, "moonshine" is homemade liquor - usually clear, high-proof, and often made in secret to avoid the law.
Pronunciation
[MOON-shyn]
Meaning & Usage
- Illegally made liquor (noun)
Elmer:
You bringin’ any moonshine to the get-together?
You bringin’ any moonshine to the get-together?
Estel:
Just a little white-lightnin’ - don’t tell the revenuer.
Just a little white-lightnin’ - don’t tell the revenuer.- Light of the moon (literal meaning)
Elmer:
Ain’t nothin’ prettier than moonshine on fresh snow.
Ain’t nothin’ prettier than moonshine on fresh snow.
Estel:
Reckon you’re right.
Reckon you’re right.other spellings: white-lightnin’, white lightning, shine, corn liquor, hooch, white whisky, mountain dew, and
★ If someone hands you a jar of moonshine, ask who made it - and maybe what proof it is - before taking a big swig. ★
Origin
From the practice of making liquor by the light of the moon to avoid detection. The term dates to at least the 18th century in Britain for smuggled liquor and was carried to Appalachia by early settlers.
Notes
Moonshine is typically clear, unaged corn whiskey. While commercial "moonshine" is now legally sold, the traditional Appalachian meaning refers to unlicensed, home-distilled liquor.