moonshine
Meaning
illegally distilled or smuggled alcoholic liquor.
foolish or unrealistic talk or ideas; nonsense.
the light of the moon.
Structure
Usage
the police discovered an old still used for making moonshine in the woods.
his promises of quick riches were nothing but moonshine.
they walked home by the gentle moonshine, their path silvered by its glow.
Etymology
the word 'moonshine' is a transparent compound from old english elements, literally meaning "the shining of the moon." this concrete sense, referring to moonlight, is attested from the late 15th century. by the late 18th century, the term developed a figurative sense for something insubstantial or deceptive, like empty talk or foolish ideas, much like the pale, reflected light of the moon. this association with illegality and concealment led to its specific application in american english during the prohibition era (1920s) for liquor produced and distributed secretly, often by night under the "moonshine."
Analysis
'moon' originates from old english 'mōna', of germanic origin, related to dutch 'maan' and german 'mond'. it functions as the nominal base. 'shine' originates from old english 'scīnan', of germanic origin, related to dutch 'schijnen' and german 'scheinen'. it functions as a verbal element meaning to emit light.