moonshine
moonshine Lexical Profile
moonshine Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American Illicitly distilled or smuggled liquor, typically of high proof and often made from a corn mash.
"During Prohibition, hidden stills in the Appalachian Mountains produced thousands of gallons of moonshine."
Foolish, unrealistic, or nonsensical talk and ideas.
"The politician's grandiose promises of eliminating all debt overnight were dismissed by economists as pure moonshine."
The light of the moon; moonlight.
"The lovers walked through the quiet gardens, illuminated only by the silvery moonshine filtering through the canopy."
Word Nuance & Usage
While originally meaning the literal light of the moon, 'moonshine' is used almost exclusively today to refer to illicitly distilled liquor or nonsensical ideas.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the late 15th century meaning 'moonlight'. The sense of 'illicitly distilled liquor' emerged in the late 18th century, referring to smuggling and illegal distilling operations conducted at night by the light of the moon.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.