bootleg
|boot-leg|
/ˈbuːtˌlɛɡ/
illegal production or distribution
Etymology
'bootleg' originates from the practice of hiding flasks of alcohol in the legs of boots during the American Prohibition era.
'bootleg' changed from the literal act of hiding alcohol in boots to a broader term for illegal activities.
Initially, it meant 'to hide alcohol in boots,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'illegal production or distribution.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an illegal copy or recording of a product, especially music or video.
He bought a bootleg of the concert.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to make, distribute, or sell something illegally, especially alcohol or recordings.
They used to bootleg whiskey during Prohibition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
made, distributed, or sold illegally.
He was caught with bootleg DVDs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42