What does hooch mean?
Hooch is an informal American word for alcoholic liquor, particularly moonshine or other illicitly made spirits. It evokes homemade, bootleg, or rough-edged alcohol rather than a formally labelled commercial drink, and it can carry a slightly playful or nostalgic air when referring to old-fashioned moonshine. In a second, slangier sense, hooch means money, often a substantial amount of it. The word is most natural in informal speech and is especially associated with American English. “Hooch” can describe both the contents of a bottle and the broader idea of illicit liquor: someone might serve hooch at a gathering or be known for making hooch. Its vivid, informal character makes it more expressive than simply saying “liquor,” while its money sense adds a colorful alternative to “cash” or “funds.”
Alcoholic liquor, especially illicitly distilled or bootleg spirits.
"The old distillery was famous for its hooch."
Informal and chiefly American; commonly associated with moonshine.
Money, especially a large or readily available amount of money.
"The business brought in serious hooch during its first year."
Informal slang, chiefly American, and sometimes hyperbolic or old-fashioned.
Usually used as an uncountable noun; the plural is uncommon.
"The store sells bottles of hooch, but the local hooches are better than the commercial stuff."
Hooch brings to mind Prohibition-era back rooms and bottles poured from hidden jugs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hooch come from?
The precise origin of “hooch” is uncertain, and the word should not be assigned a firm etymology. It became established in American slang for illicit liquor, particularly moonshine, and its association with homemade or bootlegged spirits is central to its history and modern meaning. The separate sense meaning “money” is a later or parallel slang extension.
How hooch is actually used
Informal and chiefly American. The liquor sense is associated with moonshine and illicit or untested spirits; the money sense is slang and may sound old-fashioned or exaggerated in some contexts.
Easily confused with hooch
A hutch is a storage box or shelter, whereas hooch commonly means illicit liquor or, in another slang sense, money.