Worm
In Appalachian moonshine talk, the "worm" is the coiled copper tube that carries alcohol vapor from the still to the condenser, turning it back into liquid.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm sure there's some folks up'n'Cosby that may use this all the time, but it's not in everday conversation for most. Pronunciation
[WERM]
Meaning & Usage
- Coiled tube in a still (noun)
Elmer:
Keep that worm cool or she’ll steam off the good stuff.
Keep that worm cool or she’ll steam off the good stuff.
Estel:
Already got the creek water runnin’ over it.
Already got the creek water runnin’ over it.- Creeping animal (noun)
Elmer:
Somethin’s been diggin’ in the garden.
Somethin’s been diggin’ in the garden.
Estel:
Bet it’s full of worms.
Bet it’s full of worms.variations: copper coil, worm coil, worm tube,
★ In moonshining, a warm worm means you’re losing liquor to the air instead of the jug. ★
Origin
From the Old English "wyrm," meaning serpent or dragon, later used for creeping creatures. In distilling, it refers to the long, coiled tube - usually copper - resembling a curled worm.
Notes
The worm is cooled by running water, often from a creek or barrel system. It’s a crucial part of turning alcohol vapor into liquid moonshine.