Bootlegged

/ˈbuːtlɛɡd/ adjective, verb

Definition

Made, distributed, or sold illegally; describing goods or products produced and sold without authorization or license.

Etymology

Past tense of 'bootleg' (to make or sell illegally), with 'bootleg' originating from the Prohibition-era practice of hiding alcohol in the legs of boots during smuggling.

Kelly Says

Bootlegging didn't end with Prohibition—today's bootleg recordings of concerts and bootleg DVDs show how the term evolved to mean any unauthorized reproduction, proving that people will always find ways to share and sell things outside official channels.

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