moonshine etymology

Etymology:

The term "moonshine" derives from two sources:

• "Moon": Referring to the illicit production of spirits at night to avoid detection by authorities.
• "Shine": A colloquial term for "spirit" or "alcohol," derived from the Old English word "scinan," meaning "to shine" or "to glitter."

Meaning and Origin:

Moonshine is an informal term used to describe illegally produced and unlicensed alcoholic beverages, typically distilled from fermented grains, fruits, or vegetables. The term originated in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, when illicit distilleries proliferated in remote areas to evade taxes and government regulations.

Moonshiners would often set up their stills under the cover of darkness to avoid detection. They would also use the light of the moon to guide them in their operations. As a result, these surreptitious distilling activities became known as "moonshining."

Over time, "moonshine" came to be synonymous with strong, unaged, and untaxed alcohol. It has been associated with various subcultures and regions, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. The production and consumption of moonshine have been instrumental in underground economies and social gatherings in rural communities.

moonshine relate terms

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