Revenuer
In Appalachian speech, a "revenuer" is a government agent sent to catch illegal moonshiners and destroy their stills.
Pronunciation
[REV-uh-noor]
Meaning & Usage
- Government agent enforcing liquor laws (noun)
Elmer:
Heard tell the revenuers are comin’ up the holler.
Heard tell the revenuers are comin’ up the holler.
Estel:
Best hide that mash ‘fore they git here.
Best hide that mash ‘fore they git here.variations: revenue agent, revenue man, revenooer, revenoor
★ If you spot a revenuer, you’re already late putting the still in the creek. ★
Origin
From "revenue," referring to U.S. government agents in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (now the IRS) who enforced liquor tax laws. During Prohibition and beyond, revenuers patrolled rural areas to locate and shut down illegal stills.
Notes
"Revenuer" is tied to Appalachian and Southern moonshine culture, often appearing in old stories, songs, and movies. Variants like "revenooer" reflect the way it’s pronounced in fast speech.