Langimage
English

bootlegged

|boot/legged|

B2

/ˈbuːtˌlɛɡd/

(bootleg)

illegal production or distribution

Base FormPluralPresentPastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNoun
bootlegbootlegsbootleggingbootleggedbootleggedbootleggingbootlegger
Etymology
Etymology Information

'bootleg' originates from the practice of hiding flasks of alcohol in the leg of a boot during the Prohibition era in the United States.

Historical Evolution

'bootleg' changed from the literal act of hiding alcohol in boots to a broader term for illegal distribution.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to hide alcohol in boots,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'illegally distribute or sell.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

past tense or past participle form of 'bootleg'.

They bootlegged copies of the movie.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

illegally made, distributed, or sold, especially referring to alcohol or recordings.

He was caught with bootlegged whiskey.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/16 10:49