Bootlegger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐พ
bootlegger
[หbuหtหlษษกษr ]
Definition
illegal alcohol
A bootlegger is a person who engages in the illegal sale of alcohol, especially during the Prohibition era in the United States. Bootleggers would smuggle, produce, or sell alcohol in violation of the law.
Synonyms
bootleg vendor, moonshiner, rumrunner.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bootlegger |
Someone who illegally produces or distributes alcohol. Often used in historical contexts related to Prohibition in the United States.
|
| moonshiner |
A person who illegally manufactures homemade alcohol, typically in rural areas.
|
| rumrunner |
A person involved in smuggling alcoholic beverages, especially by sea, often associated with the Prohibition era in the United States.
|
| bootleg vendor |
A person selling illegal or unlicensed goods, such as counterfeit DVDs or clothes, not necessarily related to alcohol.
|
Examples of usage
- The bootlegger was arrested for selling moonshine.
- During Prohibition, many bootleggers operated underground speakeasies.
- The police raided the bootlegger's warehouse and confiscated the illegal alcohol.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term originated during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), when making or selling alcohol was illegal.
- Bootlegging started from the practice of hiding flasks of liquor in the legs of boots during the American Civil War.
- Many bootleggers became wealthy during Prohibition, leading to the rise of organized crime.
Pop Culture
- Bootleggers are popular characters in films and literature, often portrayed as anti-heroes or rebels.
- The TV show 'Peaky Blinders' features bootleggers, showcasing the underground economy of the era.
- Bootlegging has influenced music too; many songs have been written about the excitement and danger of the trade.
Economics
- The illegal market often thrives in areas where demand is high and supply is restricted due to laws.
- During the Prohibition, the economy saw a massive shift, as people sought underground means to access alcohol, leading to unintended economic consequences.
- Bootleggers faced significant risks, including legal repercussions and violence from rival gangs.
Law and Society
- Bootlegging is still relevant today, with modern parallels in the illegal drug trade.
- Laws against bootlegging have evolved, but the issues of smuggling and counterfeit goods persist in various forms.
- The fight against bootlegging has included not just police action but also public education about the dangers of illegal products.
Cultural Impact
- Bootleggers contributed to the glamorization of the 'outlaw' lifestyle in American culture.
- Literature and art from the Prohibition era often depicted bootleggers as symbols of freedom versus government control.
- Festivals celebrating the Roaring Twenties often include nods to bootleg culture, reflecting its lasting impact on society.
Origin of 'bootlegger'
The term 'bootlegger' originated during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), when the sale, production, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were illegal. Bootleggers would often smuggle alcohol in the legs of their boots, hence the term 'bootlegger'. The illegal alcohol trade led to the rise of organized crime and speakeasies. Despite the end of Prohibition, the term 'bootlegger' continues to be used to describe those who engage in illegal alcohol activities.
See also: boot, booties, bootleg, bootlicker, boots, booty, freebooter, reboot.