Rumrunner: meaning, definitions and examples
🍹
rumrunner
[ˈrʌmˌrʌnər ]
Definitions
bootlegging
A person who smuggles alcohol, especially during Prohibition in the United States in the 1920s.
Synonyms
bootlegger, moonshiner, smuggler.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rumrunner |
Typically used to describe someone who transports alcohol illegally, particularly during the Prohibition era in the United States.
|
| bootlegger |
Used to describe someone who makes, distributes, or sells alcoholic beverages illegally, especially during Prohibition. This term can also be used more broadly to describe someone who sells any illegal goods.
|
| smuggler |
A general term for someone who illegally transports goods or people. This term is not limited to alcohol and has a broader negative connotation.
|
| moonshiner |
Describes someone who illegally distills alcohol, typically in a rural area. The term often evokes images of homemade stills and rustic, secretive operations.
|
Examples of usage
- The rumrunner used secret routes to transport illegal alcohol.
- During Prohibition, many rumrunners operated along the coastlines.
- The rumrunner's activities were illegal but lucrative.
ship
A fast ship used for smuggling alcohol.
Synonyms
bootlegger ship, smuggling vessel.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rumrunner |
This term is typically used to describe individuals or smaller boats involved in the illegal transportation of alcohol during the Prohibition era in the United States. It often has a historical or adventurous connotation.
|
| bootlegger ship |
This phrase is used to refer to larger, organized ships specifically outfitted for the smuggling of alcohol during the Prohibition era. It brings to mind a more structured and possibly more dangerous operation.
|
| smuggling vessel |
This term is broader and can refer to any type of boat or ship used to transport contraband goods, not limited to alcohol or any specific time period. It often carries a negative connotation related to illegal activities.
|
Examples of usage
- The rumrunner's ship was equipped with powerful engines.
- Rumrunners often evaded authorities by sailing at night.
cocktail
A cocktail made with rum as the primary ingredient.
Synonyms
rum cocktail, rum-based drink.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rumrunner |
This word is also the name of a specific cocktail that typically includes rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. It might be used in casual or social settings, especially around bars or restaurants.
|
| rum cocktail |
A 'rum cocktail' is a general term for any mixed drink that includes rum as one of its ingredients. This phrase is used when referring to a variety of rum-based mixed drinks, especially in a bar or dining context.
|
| rum-based drink |
A 'rum-based drink' is a broader term that includes any beverage where rum is the primary ingredient. It can be used when talking about both simple and sophisticated drinks, alcohol-based or not.
|
Examples of usage
- The rumrunner cocktail is a popular choice at the bar.
- I'll have a rumrunner, please.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term gained popularity during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), when the production and sale of alcohol were banned.
- Rum was specifically popular among smugglers due to its high value and demand, particularly in coastal regions.
- Many rumrunners used fast boats to evade capture, leading to dangerous chases with the Coast Guard.
Pop Culture
- Rumrunner characters often appear in films and literature, depicting the rogue lifestyle associated with smuggling.
- The idea of rumrunning is featured in songs and folklore, romanticizing the adventurous and rebellious spirit of the period.
- Modern interpretations often depict rumrunners as anti-heroes, showing the complexity of morals during Prohibition.
Geography
- Key locations for rumrunning included the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands, where rum was produced and easily transported.
- The Atlantic and Gulf Coasts were popular routes for smuggling operations due to their proximity to major cities.
- During Prohibition, numerous secret bars known as 'speakeasies' arose in urban areas, relying on rumrunners for supply.
Economics
- The illegal trade of alcohol, like rum-running, created a booming underground economy during Prohibition.
- Smuggling often led to violent rivalry between different groups competing for control over the lucrative trade.
- Even today, the legacy of rumrunning has influenced some tourism industries that celebrate this part of history.
Legal Impact
- The actions of many rumrunners contributed to changes in U.S. alcohol laws, eventually leading to the repeal of Prohibition.
- Authorities developed stricter law enforcement tactics, including surveillance and patrols, specifically to combat smuggling.
- Rumrunning showcased the challenges of enforcing laws that are unpopular among the general public.
Translations
Translations of the word "rumrunner" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contrabandista de rum
🇮🇳 शराब तस्कर
🇩🇪 Rum-Schmuggler
🇮🇩 penyelundup rum
🇺🇦 контрабандист рому
🇵🇱 przemytnik rumu
🇯🇵 ラムランナー
🇫🇷 contrebandier de rhum
🇪🇸 contrabandista de ron
🇹🇷 rom kaçakçısı
🇰🇷 럼 밀수업자
🇸🇦 مهرب الروم
🇨🇿 pašerák rumu
🇸🇰 pašerák rumu
🇨🇳 走私朗姆酒者
🇸🇮 preprodajalec ruma
🇮🇸 rommsmyglari
🇰🇿 ром контрабандашысы
🇬🇪 რომის კონტრაბანდისტი
🇦🇿 rom qaçaqçısı
🇲🇽 contrabandista de ron