bootleg
pronunciation
How to pronounce bootleg in British English:
UK [ˈbu:tleg]
How to pronounce bootleg in American English:
US [ˈbutˌlɛɡ]
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- Noun:
- whiskey illegally distilled from a corn mash
- the part of a boot above the instep
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- Verb:
- sell illicit products such as drugs or alcohol
- produce or distribute illegally
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- Adjective:
- distributed or sold illicitly
Word Origin
- bootleg (n.)
- "leg of a boot," 1630s, from boot (n.1) + leg (n.). As an adjective in reference to illegal iquor, 1889, American English slang, from the trick of concealing a flask of liquor down the leg of a high boot. Before that the bootleg was the place to secret knives and pistols.
Example
- 1. But you can 't buy me off with a bootleg .
- 2. Some people had brought bootleg liquor to the party .
- 3. He was caught with bootleg whisky in his boot .
- 4. Hey , man , you got bootleg dylan .
- 5. In a message posted wednesday on her web site , rowling said she was concerned about online piracy , included bootleg editions for which the original text was altered .