Bootlegging: meaning, definitions and examples

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bootlegging

 

[ ˈbuːtˌleɡɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

illegal activity

Bootlegging refers to the illegal making, distributing, or selling of goods, especially alcohol, without proper authorization.

Synonyms

counterfeiting, piracy, smuggling

Examples of usage

  • During the Prohibition era, bootlegging of alcohol was rampant.
  • Bootlegging movies online is a violation of copyright laws.
Context #2 | Verb

illegal activity

To bootleg means to engage in the illegal production or distribution of goods, often specifically referring to alcohol.

Synonyms

deal illegally, run contraband, traffic

Examples of usage

  • They were arrested for bootlegging alcohol across state lines.
  • Some individuals still bootleg music despite strict laws against it.

Translations

Translations of the word "bootlegging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contrabando

🇮🇳 अवैध व्यापार

🇩🇪 Schmuggel

🇮🇩 penyelundupan

🇺🇦 контрабанда

🇵🇱 przemyt

🇯🇵 密輸

🇫🇷 contrebande

🇪🇸 contrabando

🇹🇷 kaçakçılık

🇰🇷 밀수

🇸🇦 تهريب

🇨🇿 pašování

🇸🇰 pašovanie

🇨🇳 走私

🇸🇮 tihotapljenje

🇮🇸 smygl

🇰🇿 контрабанда

🇬🇪 კონტრაბანდა

🇦🇿 qaçaqmalçılıq

🇲🇽 contrabando

Word origin

The term 'bootlegging' originated during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). It was initially used to describe the illegal practice of hiding bottles of alcohol in the legs of boots to smuggle and distribute them. The term has since evolved to encompass any illegal production or distribution of goods.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,366 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.