BLACKLEGGING Meaning and
Definition
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Blacklegging is a term that can hold different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Historically, blacklegging referred to the act of illegally purchasing, transporting, or selling goods, particularly alcohols, during the era of Prohibition in the United States. During this period between 1920 and 1933, the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned, making blacklegging a prevalent illegal activity.
In a broader sense, blacklegging can also refer to various forms of illegal or unethical behavior, primarily associated with defiance of rules or social norms. This term can be used to describe those who engage in illegal activities, such as smuggling, bootlegging, or trafficking prohibited substances.
Furthermore, blacklegging can extend beyond illegal activities and pertain to individuals who act in opposition to a collective decision or a strike. In labor disputes, a blacklegger, also known as a scab, is an individual who continues to work or replaces striking workers during a labor strike. This term carries a negative connotation as it implies betrayal, opportunism, or lacking solidarity with fellow workers.
Overall, blacklegging primarily signifies engaging in illegal or disruptive acts, and its usage varies based on the specific context, whether it relates to the unlawful sale of prohibited goods, violating societal norms, or undermining the collective power of organized labor.
Etymology of BLACKLEGGING
The word "blacklegging" originated from the 18th century practice of coal miners in the United Kingdom. During that time, coal miners went on strike to demand better working conditions and higher wages. However, some workers chose to continue working instead of joining the strike. These workers were called "blacklegs" because they were seen as going against the unity and solidarity of the striking miners.
The term "blacklegging" is derived from the practice of blackening one's face with coal dust to avoid being recognized by fellow miners and to continue working without being identified as a strikebreaker. This act of blackening the face became synonymous with betraying or crossing a picket line, and the term "blacklegging" was later used to describe anyone who engages in strikebreaking or betrays solidarity movements.
Conjugate verb Blacklegging
CONDITIONAL
I
would blacklegging
you
would blacklegging
he/she/it
would blacklegging
we
would blacklegging
they
would blacklegging
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be blacklegging
you
would be blacklegging
he/she/it
would be blacklegging
we
would be blacklegging
they
would be blacklegging
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have blacklegging
you
would have blacklegging
he/she/it
would have blacklegging
we
would have blacklegging
they
would have blacklegging
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been blacklegging
you
would have been blacklegging
he/she/it
would have been blacklegging
we
would have been blacklegging
they
would have been blacklegging
FUTURE
I
will blackleg
you
will blackleg
he/she/it
will blackleg
we
will blackleg
they
will blackleg
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be blacklegging
you
will be blacklegging
he/she/it
will be blacklegging
we
will be blacklegging
they
will be blacklegging
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have blacklegged
you
will have blacklegged
he/she/it
will have blacklegged
we
will have blacklegged
they
will have blacklegged
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been blacklegging
you
will have been blacklegging
he/she/it
will have been blacklegging
we
will have been blacklegging
they
will have been blacklegging
IMPERATIVE
you
blackleg
we
let´s blackleg
to blackleg
PAST
I
blacklegged
you
blacklegged
he/she/it
blacklegged
we
blacklegged
they
blacklegged
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was blacklegging
you
were blacklegging
he/she/it
was blacklegging
we
were blacklegging
they
were blacklegging
PAST PARTICIPLE
blacklegged
PAST PERFECT
I
had blacklegged
you
had blacklegged
he/she/it
had blacklegged
we
had blacklegged
they
had blacklegged
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been blacklegging
you
had been blacklegging
he/she/it
had been blacklegging
we
had been blacklegging
they
had been blacklegging
PRESENT
I
blackleg
you
blackleg
he/she/it
blacklegs
we
blackleg
they
blackleg
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am blacklegging
you
are blacklegging
he/she/it
is blacklegging
we
are blacklegging
they
are blacklegging
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
blacklegging
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have blacklegged
you
have blacklegged
he/she/it
has blacklegged
we
have blacklegged
they
have blacklegged
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been blacklegging
you
have been blacklegging
he/she/it
has been blacklegging
we
have been blacklegging
they
have been blacklegging
