moonshine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, colloquial (for the illicit alcohol meaning). Poetic or archaic (for moonlight meaning).
Quick answer
What does “moonshine” mean?
Illegally produced, distilled alcoholic spirits, especially strong whiskey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Illegally produced, distilled alcoholic spirits, especially strong whiskey.
1) Foolish or nonsensical talk or ideas; empty promises. 2) The light of the moon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The illicit alcohol meaning is strongly associated with American history and Appalachian culture, but is understood in the UK. The 'nonsense' meaning is more common in British English.
Connotations
US: Strong connotations of rural, homemade, rebellious Prohibition-era spirit production. UK: For the alcohol meaning, often seen as an exotic Americanism; for the 'nonsense' meaning, mildly dismissive or playful.
Frequency
The illicit alcohol sense is significantly more frequent in American English. The 'nonsense' sense has higher relative frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “moonshine” in a Sentence
[Subject] makes moonshine.[Subject] is (pure/absolute) moonshine.The [place] was lit by moonshine.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moonshine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were accused of moonshining in the remote Highlands.
- He spent years moonshining before going legitimate.
American English
- His grandpa used to moonshine up in the holler.
- They got caught moonshining behind the barn.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- A moonshine operation was discovered in the shed.
- He had a moonshine still hidden in the woods.
American English
- The moonshine whisky was potent stuff.
- They followed a moonshine trail through the mountains.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical contexts (e.g., 'moonshine trade during Prohibition') or marketing for legally produced spirits evoking the style.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or cultural studies of prohibition, rural economies, or folklore.
Everyday
Common when referring to homemade illegal alcohol or dismissing an idea as silly ('What he said was pure moonshine.').
Technical
Not used in formal scientific/technical contexts. May appear in legal texts regarding illicit distillation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moonshine”
- Using 'moonshine' to refer to any strong alcohol (it specifically implies illicit production).
- Using the 'moonlight' meaning in modern, non-literary contexts where it sounds odd.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its core meaning as alcohol, it specifically denotes illegally produced, untaxed spirits. Some legal brands use the name for marketing, but historically it implies illegality.
Yes, but this is now a poetic, literary, or archaic usage. In everyday modern English, it is far less common than the 'illicit alcohol' or 'nonsense' meanings.
They are often synonyms for illicit alcohol. 'Moonshine' emphasises the homemade, often rural production, while 'bootleg' can refer to any illegally produced or smuggled goods, including recorded media.
Yes, improperly distilled moonshine can contain toxic levels of methanol or other impurities, leading to blindness, illness, or death. It also carries legal penalties.
Illegally produced, distilled alcoholic spirits, especially strong whiskey.
Moonshine is usually informal, colloquial (for the illicit alcohol meaning). poetic or archaic (for moonlight meaning). in register.
Moonshine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmuːn.ʃaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmuːn.ʃaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's all moonshine and magnolias. (US, implying romanticised nonsense)”
- “He's full of moonshine. (nonsense)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone making secret alcohol by the light of the MOON. That MOONSHINE is illegal, and if they tell you about it, it might sound like crazy SHINE (nonsense).
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IS HIDDEN (by night/darkness); NONSENSE IS INSIPID/EMPTY (like pale moonlight).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'moonshine' most likely refer to illicit activity?