illegal connection
[/ɪˈliːɡəl kəˈnɛkʃən/]
nounpl: illegal connections
ligação ilegal
1. An unauthorized or unlawful connection to a utility service (electricity, water, gas, or telecommunications) without proper authorization or payment
The electrician discovered an illegal connection to the power grid in the abandoned building.
O eletricista descobriu uma ligação ilegal à rede elétrica no prédio abandonado.
2. A direct link or relationship between two people, entities, or concepts that violates laws or regulations
Investigators found an illegal connection between the company and organized crime.
Os investigadores encontraram uma ligação ilegal entre a empresa e o crime organizado.
3. Unauthorized splicing or tapping into communication lines or networks
The technician identified an illegal connection to the telephone lines.
O técnico identificou uma ligação ilegal às linhas telefônicas.
In Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and other major urban centers, the term 'gato' (literally 'cat') has become deeply embedded in popular culture as slang for illegal electricity connections. This practice is widespread in favelas and lower-income communities as a form of utility theft. The term has become so normalized that it appears in news media, legislation, and everyday conversation. In the USA and English-speaking contexts, illegal connections typically refer to utility theft or unauthorized access to services, and can carry serious legal penalties including fines and criminal charges.
NYC Slang
bootleg connection, hot tap, pirate hookup
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