white lightnin’
In Appalachian speech, "white lightnin’" is a slang term for strong, clear moonshine liquor.
Pronunciation
[WHYTE LYTE-nin]
Meaning & Usage
- High-proof, clear liquor (noun)
Elmer:
Careful with that jug - it’s straight white-lightnin’.
Careful with that jug - it’s straight white-lightnin’.
Estel:
One sip and you’ll know it.
One sip and you’ll know it.other spellings: white lightning, white-lightnin, and white lightnin’
★ They don’t call it "lightnin’" for nothin’ - it’s fast, strong, and leaves a burn you’ll remember. ★
Origin
The name comes from its clear color ("white") and the quick, burning effect it has ("lightning"). The dropped "g" in "lightnin’" reflects Appalachian pronunciation, preserved in song lyrics, folklore, and bootlegging tales.
Notes
"White-lightnin’" is almost always homemade and often stronger than store-bought liquor. It’s part of Appalachian moonshine culture and appears frequently in music and storytelling.