bootleg etymology

Etymology:

The term "bootleg" originated in the United States in the early 20th century, during the Prohibition era (1920-1933).

Meaning:

"Bootleg" primarily means:

• Illegal trafficking or smuggling of alcohol, especially during Prohibition.
• Illicitly produced or distributed goods, particularly alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Origin:

The term has several possible origins:

• Boots: Bootleggers often carried hidden flasks of alcohol inside their boots to avoid detection by law enforcement.
• Watertight Leather: Some bootleggers used waterproof leather bags to transport liquor, which resembled boots in size and shape.
• Bootleggers' Boots: Bootleg transporters were occasionally referred to as "bootleggers" because they wore distinctive boots.
• Phrase "Carry Water in One's Boots": A slang expression meaning to transport alcohol illegally.

Bootlegging became a widespread and profitable activity during Prohibition, and the term has since been extended to include:

• Illicit sales of other controlled substances or contraband.
• Unapproved or counterfeit versions of products, such as software, music, or clothing.
• Illegal downloads or streaming of copyrighted material.

bootleg relate terms

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• bone

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• shank

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• bootlegger

  Etymology bootlegger 1920s American English from bootleg n er agent noun

• moonshine

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• contraband

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• produce

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• make

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• sell

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• corn

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• create

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• liquor

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• oasis

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