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Bootlegged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bootlegged

[ˈbuːtˌlɛɡd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

illegal activity

To bootleg means to illegally produce, transport, or distribute something, particularly alcoholic beverages. This term originated during the Prohibition era in the United States, when the manufacturing and sale of alcohol were banned. Bootlegging involves the clandestine operation of smuggling goods to avoid law enforcement. The term can also refer to unauthorized recordings, like music or performances, typically distributed without the owner's consent. Therefore, bootlegged items are often associated with copyright infringement and illicit trade.

Synonyms

contraband, illegally distribute, smuggle, traffic.

Examples of usage

  • They were caught bootlegging whiskey during Prohibition.
  • Many artists disapprove of bootlegged versions of their concerts.
  • He bootlegged cigars across the border.
  • Bootlegged DVDs of the movie flooded the market.
  • The authorities cracked down on those bootlegging essential goods.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated in the late 19th century and originally referred to smuggling alcohol in the legs of boots.
  • During Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), many people illegally produced and distributed alcoholic beverages, leading to the widespread use of the term.

Pop Culture

  • The infamous gangster Al Capone was known for his bootlegging operations during the Prohibition era.
  • Many films and songs reflect the rebellious nature of bootlegging, portraying it as a daring and adventurous lifestyle.

Law

  • Bootlegging is associated with the illegal trade of controlled substances, such as alcohol and drugs.
  • Legislation against bootlegging has evolved, with various laws introduced to combat such illegal activities and protect public health.

Technology

  • In modern terms, bootlegging can refer to the unauthorized copying and distribution of media, especially in music and film.
  • The internet has made it easier to bootleg digital content, raising issues around copyright and intellectual property rights.

Social Impacts

  • Bootlegging can undermine legal businesses and lead to tax evasion, affecting local economies.
  • The historical context of bootlegging also highlights issues of social justice and the fight against prohibition laws.

Origin of 'bootlegged'

The term 'bootleg' originated in the United States in the early 19th century, deriving from the practice of concealing flasks of liquor in the legs of boots for illicit sales. The word gained national prominence during the Prohibition period (1920–1933), a time when the 18th Amendment made the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages illegal. During this era, illegal bars (called speakeasies) and secret operations to produce and sell alcohol flourished, leading to widespread bootlegging. The actions were often conducted in a covert manner, with bootleggers risking arrests and fines for profit. Over the years, the term 'bootleg' evolved to encompass not only the illegal trade of alcohol but also unauthorized recordings in music and film. Its continued relevance highlights ongoing issues related to copyright and the black market.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,884, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.