mountain dew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Regional, Historical, Commercial
Quick answer
What does “mountain dew” mean?
A high-proof, illicitly distilled alcoholic drink, traditionally associated with rural, especially Appalachian, areas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high-proof, illicitly distilled alcoholic drink, traditionally associated with rural, especially Appalachian, areas.
Often used as a brand name for a citrus-flavored soft drink, distinct from the original meaning. Can poetically refer to dew found on mountains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is less common and primarily understood as the brand name for the soft drink or in a poetic sense. The 'moonshine' meaning is strongly associated with American (specifically Appalachian) culture.
Connotations
In the US, 'mountain dew' (lowercase) carries strong cultural connotations of bootlegging, rural independence, and historical tradition. In the UK, it primarily connotes the commercial beverage.
Frequency
The 'moonshine' sense is high-frequency in specific US cultural contexts (music, folklore) but low-frequency in general UK English. The brand name is globally recognized.
Grammar
How to Use “mountain dew” in a Sentence
drink + mountain dewbrew + mountain dewa jug of + mountain dewas strong as + mountain dewVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mountain dew” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They don't really 'mountain dew' as a verb here.
American English
- His grandpappy used to mountain dew out behind the barn.
adjective
American English
- He had a case of that mountain-dew madness after a long night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers almost exclusively to the PepsiCo-owned soft drink brand.
Academic
Used in cultural, historical, or folk studies discussing Appalachian history, prohibition, or moonshining.
Everyday
In the US, can refer to the drink (brand or illicit) depending on region/context. Elsewhere, almost exclusively the soft drink.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts outside of specific marketing or cultural studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mountain dew”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mountain dew”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mountain dew”
- Capitalizing when referring to moonshine (should be lowercase).
- Using the term to refer to any soft drink (it's a specific brand).
- Assuming the moonshine meaning is known globally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Capitalized ('Mountain Dew') it is the trademarked soft drink. Lowercase ('mountain dew') it refers to moonshine or literal dew.
Traditionally, no—it was illicitly distilled to avoid taxes and regulations. Today, legal moonshine exists but is produced under license.
The brand was originally created in the 1940s to be a mixer for whiskey, playing on the moonshine association for a rustic, hearty image.
Rarely. The moonshine meaning is primarily American. In the UK, the term is overwhelmingly associated with the soft drink brand or used poetically.
A high-proof, illicitly distilled alcoholic drink, traditionally associated with rural, especially Appalachian, areas.
Mountain dew is usually informal, regional, historical, commercial in register.
Mountain dew: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊn.tɪn ˈdjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊn.tən ˈduː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare as an idiom; the term itself is often used figuratively for something potent/illegal]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DEW on the mountain' is pure, fresh water. 'MOUNTAIN DEW' from a hidden still is pure, strong liquor.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLICIT ACTIVITY IS A HIDDEN NATURAL RESOURCE (the 'dew' is secretly collected/distilled).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mountain dew' (lowercase) LEAST likely to be understood?