Moonshine mash is the fermented mixture of grains, sugar, and water used as the base for distilling Appalachian mountain liquor. Long associated with backwoods stills and "corn likker," this mash is a cornerstone of traditional moonshine-making, handed down from Scots-Irish settlers to generations of Appalachian families.
Pigs’ll eat near anything, but they love corn mash.
Estel:
Keeps ‘em fat through winter.
variations: mash
★ If the mash is bubbling, it’s working - but if it smells "rurnt," you’ve lost a batch. ★
Origin and Etymology
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.
Usage 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."
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.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 22). Moonshine Mash. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/moonshine-mash
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Moonshine Mash." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/moonshine-mash.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Moonshine Mash." HillbillySlang.com. September 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/moonshine-mash.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Got the mash bubblin’ out back.