worm

In Appalachian moonshine talk, the "worm" is the coiled copper tube that carries alcohol vapor from the still to the condenser, turning it back into liquid.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I'm sure there's some folks up'n'Cosby that may use this all the time, but it's not in everday conversation for most.

Pronunciation

[WERM]

Meaning & Usage

- Coiled tube in a still (noun)

Elmer:

Keep that worm cool or she’ll steam off the good stuff.

Estel:

Already got the creek water runnin’ over it.

- Creeping animal (noun)

Elmer:

Somethin’s been diggin’ in the garden.

Estel:

Bet it’s full of worms.

other spellings: copper coil, worm coil, worm tube, and

★ In moonshining, a warm worm means you’re losing liquor to the air instead of the jug. ★

Origin

From the Old English "wyrm," meaning serpent or dragon, later used for creeping creatures. In distilling, it refers to the long, coiled tube - usually copper - resembling a curled worm.

Notes

The worm is cooled by running water, often from a creek or barrel system. It’s a crucial part of turning alcohol vapor into liquid moonshine.

Kin Topics

Appalachia

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Why is it called a worm in a still?

Because the coiled copper tubing resembles a curled-up worm.

What’s the worm made of?

Usually copper, which conducts heat well and helps remove unwanted compounds.

Can you make moonshine without a worm?

Not traditionally - it’s the part that condenses the vapor into drinkable liquor.

Does "worm" in this sense have anything to do with bait worms?

Only in shape; the two uses are otherwise unrelated.