noun/verb/adjectivepl: bootlegs
contrabando, pirataria, cópia ilegal
1. noun - An illegal or unauthorized copy or recording of a musical performance, movie, or other creative work
The bootleg recording of the concert was uploaded to the internet within hours.
A gravação pirata do concerto foi enviada para a internet dentro de poucas horas.
2. noun - Illegally manufactured or distributed goods, especially alcohol during Prohibition
During Prohibition, bootlegs were sold in speakeasies across the country.
Durante a Proibição, bebidas ilegais eram vendidas em bares clandestinos por todo o país.
3. verb - To manufacture or distribute something illegally without authorization
They bootlegged the software and sold it on the black market.
Eles piratearam o software e o venderam no mercado negro.
4. adjective - Illegally manufactured, copied, or distributed
He was caught selling bootleg designer handbags at the market.
Ele foi pego vendendo bolsas de designer falsificadas no mercado.
The term 'bootleg' originated in the United States during Prohibition (1920-1933) when alcohol was illegally smuggled in boot legs of long boots. In Brazil, the concept is very familiar due to the prevalence of pirated software, music, and counterfeit goods in the market. The term has evolved to encompass any unauthorized reproduction or distribution, particularly relevant in the digital age with music and film piracy. In NYC, 'bootleg' is deeply embedded in street culture and is used colloquially to describe anything fake, inferior, or obtained through illegal channels.
NYC Slang
bootleg - widely used in NYC to refer to counterfeit goods, unauthorized recordings, and black market items; often used as adjective 'that's bootleg' meaning inferior or fake
Related Idioms & Phrases
bootleg operation - an illegal manufacturing or distribution scheme
go bootleg - to operate illegally or without authorization
bootleg copy - an unauthorized replica of original work
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