Runner

A runner is a Southern and Appalachian term for the person who transported illegal moonshine, often at high speed, to evade law enforcement.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #FoodandDrink #Moonshine

synonyms: bootlegger, hauler, driver, transporter

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Didn't know any 'runners' growin' up, so I didn't hear this one much.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Didn't know any 'runners' growin' up, so I didn't hear this one much.

Pronunciation

[RUHN-er]
/ˈɹʌnɚ/

Meaning & Usage

- Moonshine transporter

Luther:

Used to be my daddy was the runner - fastest driver in Blount County.

Raylene:

They say he had a false bottom in that old Ford. Carried ten gallons and a prayer.

★ Some of the earliest stock car racers got their start as runners - tuning their engines to outrun the law while haulin’ white lightning. ★

Origin and Etymology

The term dates back to Prohibition and earlier, especially in the Southern Highlands, where moonshine was commonly produced. A "runner" was typically the person who moved the finished product from the still site to the buyer or drop-off, often in modified vehicles. The role became iconic in Appalachian bootlegging culture and helped fuel the rise of stock car racing.

Usage Notes

"Runner" is still recognized in stories, reenactments, and moonshine folklore, though it’s less common in modern daily speech. In many Southern communities, the term carries a rebellious, even heroic connotation tied to outsmarting the law.

Often used interchangeably with "bootlegger," though some reserve that for sellers.
Associated with fast cars, clever routes, and deep local knowledge of terrain.
Appears in media like *Thunder Road* and early NASCAR culture.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What exactly did a runner do?

A runner transported illegal moonshine from distiller to customer or drop point, usually in a souped-up car to evade police.

Is a runner the same as a bootlegger?

Sometimes - though bootlegger may refer more broadly to anyone involved in selling or distributing illegal alcohol, while runner is more specific to transport.

Are runners still around today?

The term is now mostly historical or nostalgic, though similar roles exist wherever illegal transport happens.

What kind of cars did runners drive?

Usually modified sedans or coupes with hidden compartments, stiffer suspensions, and faster engines - the forerunners of stock cars.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 3). Runner. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/runner
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Runner." HillbillySlang.com, 3 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/runner.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Runner." HillbillySlang.com. December 3, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/runner.