Bootlegging: meaning, definitions and examples

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bootlegging

[ˈbuːtˌleɡɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bootlegging	Appropriate when referring to the illegal production and distribution of alcohol, especially in historical contexts like the Prohibition era in the United States. During the Prohibition era, many people were involved in bootlegging to supply illegal alcohol. The movie chronicles the rise of a bootlegging empire in the 1920s.
smuggling	Applies to the illegal transportation of goods or people across borders, usually to avoid taxes or import restrictions. Authorities are cracking down on the smuggling of rare animal species. Drug smuggling networks operate in many parts of the world.
counterfeiting	Used when talking about the illegal creation of fake copies of items, such as money, documents, or branded products, to deceive people. The police raided a factory involved in counterfeiting designer handbags. Counterfeiting currency is a serious crime that undermines the economy.
piracy	Typically refers to the unauthorized use or reproduction of another's work, such as movies, music, software, or books. It can also describe robbery at sea. Online piracy of movies and music has become a significant issue for the entertainment industry. Modern-day piracy affects shipping routes, especially near the coast of Somalia.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bootlegging	This term is often used to refer to the illegal production and distribution of alcohol, especially during historical periods like the Prohibition era in the United States. It can also be used in modern times when talking about pirated goods like music or movies. During Prohibition, many people got rich by bootlegging alcohol. He was arrested for bootlegging DVDs.
traffic	This term is most commonly used in the context of human or drug trafficking, but can also apply to the illegal trade of various goods. It often carries a very negative connotation due to its association with serious crimes. He was sentenced to prison for trafficking drugs. Human trafficking is a major issue globally.
deal illegally	This phrase is a more general term used to describe any form of illegal trading, whether it be drugs, stolen goods, or other illicit items. It's often used in a variety of legal settings and reports. The police caught him dealing illegally in firearms. They were involved in dealing illegally at the black market.
run contraband	This phrase is typically used to describe the smuggling of prohibited or restricted goods across borders. It often implies a more organized effort and can be used in both legal and media contexts. They made a lot of money by running contraband across the border. The authorities are cracking down on those who run contraband.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'bootlegging' originated in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) when alcohol was banned.
Bootleggers often hid flasks of alcohol in their boots, which is how the term became popular.

Societal Impact

During Prohibition, massive underground networks formed, leading to the rise of organized crime in cities.
The bootlegging business significantly altered social and economic landscapes, contributing to both law enforcement corruption and cultural shifts toward drinking.

Pop Culture

Bootlegging is often glamorized in films and novels, portraying charismatic criminals navigating the underground world.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald features characters involved with bootlegging, illustrating the era's allure and danger.

Modern Context

Today, the term has expanded beyond alcohol to include illegal streaming or distribution of copyrighted materials.
Some modern bootleggers creatively make music or films available without permissions, tapping into the original spirit of rebellion.

Legal Consequences

Engaging in bootlegging can lead to severe penalties, including fines and jail time, depending on the jurisdiction.
Governments worldwide have varying degrees of enforcement against bootlegging, often aligning with their stance on alcohol and intellectual property.

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 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.

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32363 spattering
32364 parsnip
32365 floater
32366 bootlegging
32367 needling
32368 jauntily
32369 vixen
...