What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bootlegger
Example
The bootlegger was arrested for selling alcohol without a license. [bootlegger: noun]
Example
During the 1920s, many bootleggers operated underground distilleries. [bootleggers: plural noun]
moonshiner
Example
The moonshiner was known for producing high-quality whiskey in the mountains. [moonshiner: noun]
Example
Moonshiners often face legal consequences for their illegal activities. [moonshiners: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bootlegger is more commonly used than moonshiner in everyday language, especially when referring to the Prohibition era. Moonshiner is less common but can still be encountered in certain contexts, particularly when discussing the production of homemade alcohol.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bootlegger and moonshiner?
Both bootlegger and moonshiner have informal connotations and are typically used in casual or storytelling contexts. However, bootlegger may have a slightly more formal tone due to its historical associations with the Prohibition era.
