Bootleg
/ˈbuːtleɡ/
Definitions
2 meaningsMade or obtained illegally.
/ˈbuːtleɡ/
Made or sold illegally; counterfeit.
That's a bootleg recording of the concert.
💡 Simply: Illegal or fake.
More Examples
They were selling bootleg DVDs.
How It's Used
"He was selling bootleg copies of the concert recording."
"During Prohibition, bootleg liquor was commonplace."
To produce or distribute illegally.
/ˈbuːtleɡ/
To make, sell, or obtain illegally.
They were bootlegging the latest album.
💡 Simply: To make something illegally.
More Examples
He was bootlegging software.
How It's Used
"They were bootlegging CDs of the show."
Originated in the late 19th century, likely from the practice of smuggling liquor in the leg of a boot, referencing the hidden nature of the activity.
Commonly used during the Prohibition era in the US to refer to the illegal production and sale of alcohol.
Memory tip
Think of hiding something illegal in your boot's leg.
Word Origin
"Secretive or hidden illegal activity"