bootleg
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈbʊtˌlɛg/
KK: /ˈbutˌlɛg/
adjective
Definition
Made or sold illegally, often referring to items like alcohol or recordings that are not authorized.
Example
The band released a bootleg album that was recorded without their permission.
Conversation
Did you hear about that bootleg concert happening this weekend?
Yeah, I can't believe they're selling tickets for it!
I wonder how they even got the rights to perform those songs.
Probably just another case of bootleg music making its way around.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
illegal
unlawful
clandestine
Antonyms
legal
authorized
permitted
intransitive verb
Definition
To illegally produce or distribute alcohol or other goods without authorization.
Example
During Prohibition, many people chose to bootleg alcohol to make money.
Tense Forms
Past: bootlegged
Past Participle: bootlegged
Conversation
Did you hear about that new quarterback who can bootleg really well?
Yeah, I saw some highlights; he looks impressive!
I can't believe how smoothly he can bootleg past defenders.
noun
Definition
An item, particularly an alcoholic drink, that is made or sold illegally.
Example
The police raided the bar for selling bootleg liquor.
Conversation
Have you heard about the bootleg whiskey they found downtown?
Yeah, I saw that on the news! It's crazy how they were making it right under everyone's noses.
I wonder how much of that bootleg stuff is out there without people knowing.
transitive verb
Definition
To illegally make, sell, or transport alcoholic drinks or other goods without permission.
Example
They were caught trying to bootleg whiskey across the state line.
Tense Forms
Past: bootlegged
Past Participle: bootlegged
Conversation
Have you heard about that place that bootlegs movies?
Yeah, I heard it’s pretty popular among college students.
I wonder how they even manage to bootleg so many films without getting caught.
Root Explanation
Bootleg originates from the American English term 'bootlegger', which refers to someone who illegally smuggles goods, particularly alcohol. The term 'bootleg' itself is derived from the practice of concealing flasks of liquor in the legs of boots, thus 'boot' (meaning the footwear) and 'leg' (meaning the limb).
Memory Tip
Imagine someone hiding liquor in their 'boots' ('boot') to smuggle it, which helps you remember that 'bootleg' refers to the illegal transport of goods.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.