moonshine

American  

[moon-shahyn] / ˈmunˌʃaɪn /

noun

1. Informal. smuggled or illicitly distilled liquor, especially corn liquor as illicitly distilled chiefly in rural areas of the southern U.S.

2. empty or foolish talk, ideas, etc.; nonsense.

3. the light of the moon; moonlight.

---

moonshine British  

/ ˈmuːnˌʃaɪn /

noun

1. another word for moonlight

2. illegally distilled or smuggled whisky or other spirit

3. foolish talk or thought

---

Etymology

Origin of moonshine

1375–1425; late Middle English: moonlight. See moon, shine ¹,

Explanation

Moonshine is the glowing light that comes from the moon, and it's also a common term meaning "homemade liquor." In an old-timey bluegrass song, a character might drink moonshine in the moonshine. While moonshine can simply be a synonym for moonlight, it's often used as slang for bootleg (or illicit) whiskey, as well as a colorful way to say "nonsense." For example, you could say, "I listened to her speech, but I finally decided everything she said was nothing but moonshine." This "without substance" meaning is actually the oldest figurative definition of moonshine, dating from the fifteenth century.

Example Sentences

The company said "a burst on a high pressure main" in Moonshine Lane had flooded properties and caused discoloration to some customers' water supply.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2023

The Tennessee cornerback said on social media that if he got an interception against Tennessee Tech, everybody would get two free cookies at Moonshine Mountain Cookies at either of the company's two Knoxville locations.

From Fox News • Sep. 18, 2021

The Tennessee cornerback said on social media that if he got an interception against Tennessee Tech, everybody would get two free cookies at Moonshine Mountain Cookies at either of the company’s two Knoxville locations.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2021

In the second race on Aug. 8, Velez, aboard Moonshine Annie, while racing on the rail, shifted into the path of Zillinda, causing the horse to check sharply.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2019

"I think that you had better leave it to Moonshine," said I.' "So I will—Now, sir, as you've got me into this scrape, you must get me out of it.—D'ye hear?"

From Olla Podrida by Marryat, Frederick