aguardiente casero
/aɡwaɾdjente kaseɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase moonshine is translated into Spanish as aguardiente casero.
This term is used to describe spirits produced privately and often illegally, similar to the English concept of moonshine.
Meaning: illicit liquor (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of aguardiente (brandy or strong spirit) and casero (homemade).
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡwaɾdjente kaseɾo/
Did you know?
- The word aguardiente literally translates to 'burning water', a name derived from the intense, stinging sensation of high-proof spirits hitting the throat.
- While English speakers use 'moonshine' to refer to the drink, Spanish speakers use casero to emphasize the 'home' origin, implying it was made in a domestic setting rather than a distillery.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, aguardiente is colloquially called guaro.
Examples in context
- Ese aguardiente casero es muy fuerte.That moonshine is very strong.
- No deberías beber ese aguardiente casero.You shouldn't drink that moonshine.
- Compraron un poco de aguardiente casero.They bought some moonshine.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a rural village about a mysterious bottle.
- Lucía¿Qué es ese aguardiente casero?What is that moonshine?
- AlejandroEs un aguardiente casero de la zona.It is a local moonshine.
- LucíaParece peligroso, Alejandro.It looks dangerous, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSolo ten cuidado al probarlo.Just be careful when tasting it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguardiente, casero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
