Bootlegging

usgb/ˈbuːtleɡɪŋ/
noun

The act of making, selling, or distributing goods illegally, especially alcohol.

During the Prohibition era in the USA, bootlegging became a common criminal activity.
Visual representation of "bootlegging" - The act of making, selling, or distributing goods illegally, especially alcohol.

Often appears as...

  • bootlegging operation
  • bootlegging alcohol

Usage tips

Historical

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Visual representation of "bootlegging"
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Historical significance

Understanding Prohibition helps grasp why 'bootlegging' often implies alcohol.

Illustration for Historical significance
History classes cover bootlegging's role during Prohibition.
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Crime connotation

'Bootlegging' conveys a sense of illegality beyond just alcohol.

Illustration for Crime connotation
Bootlegging designer bags can lead to arrest.
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Not just selling

The term also includes making and distributing illegal goods.

Illustration for Not just selling
He ran a bootlegging operation, creating fake merchandise.
Visual representation of the word "Bootlegging"

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