RUMRUNNERS Meaning and
Definition
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Rumrunners is a term primarily used to refer to individuals or groups engaged in the illegal transport and distribution of alcoholic beverages, particularly rum, during the era of Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933). The term originates from the use of small, fast boats that were commonly employed to smuggle rum from the Caribbean islands to the United States.
Rumrunners typically operated under cover of darkness, taking advantage of their nimble vessels and knowledge of the coastlines to evade law enforcement and navigate treacherous waters. This illicit trade flourished due to the demand for alcohol during the prohibition era, as the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned by law.
Rumrunning activities were largely driven by organized crime, as criminal syndicates and gangs controlled the supply and distribution networks. These clandestine operations involved obtaining rum from foreign suppliers, primarily in the Caribbean, and secretly delivering it to specified locations in the United States, often through a network of intermediaries.
Rumrunners heavily relied on secrecy and subterfuge to avoid detection by authorities, making use of hidden compartments within vessels to conceal their illegal cargo. Alongside speedboats, larger vessels, including modified fishing boats and smuggling ships, were also employed for bulk transportation. The clandestine nature of rumrunning led to the development of various strategies to deceive law enforcement, such as altering vessel designs, using decoy ships, and employing code words and signals to communicate.
Although the Prohibition era came to an end in 1933, the term "rumrunners" has continued to signify those involved in smuggling illegal goods in a broader sense, beyond the specific context of alcohol.
Common Misspellings for RUMRUNNERS
- rumruner
- rumrunner
- eumrunners
- dumrunners
- fumrunners
- tumrunners
- 5umrunners
- 4umrunners
- rymrunners
- rhmrunners
- rjmrunners
- rimrunners
- r8mrunners
- r7mrunners
- runrunners
- rukrunners
- rujrunners
- rumeunners
- rumdunners
- rumfunners
Etymology of RUMRUNNERS
The word "rumrunners" is derived from the combination of "rum" and "runner".
1. "Rum": It originated from the term "rumbullion" in the late 17th century, which referred to a large, tumultuous uproar or commotion. This term was used in the Caribbean, where sugarcane was extensively grown, and rum became a popular alcoholic beverage. Over time, "rumbullion" was shortened to "rum", referring specifically to the liquor.
2. "Runner": In this context, "runner" refers to someone who engages in the illegal transportation or smuggling of goods. The term "runner" itself is derived from the verb "run", which means to move swiftly or to transport goods illicitly.
Similar spelling word for RUMRUNNERS
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