rum runner etymology

Etymology:

The term "rum runner" is a compound noun combining "rum" and "runner."

  • Rum: An alcoholic beverage distilled from sugarcane or molasses.
  • Runner: A person who runs or carries something, especially illegally.

Meaning:

A rum runner is a person who smuggles or transports rum illegally, typically during periods of prohibition or high taxation.

Origin:

The term "rum runner" originated in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), when the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol were banned. During this time, smugglers known as "bootleggers" illegally imported alcohol into the country. Rum, being a popular and inexpensive spirit, was a common target for smugglers.

The term "runner" specifically refers to those who transported rum by land or sea. Many rum runners operated along the coastlines of Florida, the Caribbean, and Canada, transporting rum in boats or vehicles to evade law enforcement.

After the repeal of Prohibition, the term "rum runner" continued to be used to describe those who smuggle rum into countries where it is heavily taxed or prohibited. Rum runners also became involved in other types of smuggling, such as drugs and weapons.

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