On this day, the power struggle between rival gangs in Chicago came to a violent head as seven members of the Irish North Side gang, headed by George ‘Bugs’ Moran, were shot dead in a garage appointment in what would forever be known as the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. Although the massacre remains an unsolved crime, it is generally accepted that it was ordered by the Italian South Chicago Outfit, headed by Al Capone, who was keen to seize total control of the bootlegging, dog racing, gambling and prostitution rackets, and who wanted his arch-rivals out of the way. The massacre was only a partial success, however, as Moran, having spotted a police car on his way to the garage, escaped death by hiding, together with fellow gang member Ted Newberry, in a local coffee shop.
If I’m not wrong, some Beatles’ recording was bootlegged at Abbey road Studios .. But what’s the origin of this word?
Bootleg (n.)
Also boot-leg, “upper part of the leg of a boot,” 1630s.
As an adjective in reference to illegal liquor, 1889, American English slang, from the trick of concealing a flask of liquor down the leg of a high boot. Before that the bootleg was the place to secret knives and pistols. Extended to unauthorized music recordings, etc., by 1957.
great prof!!! Yeah ….. Historical news bulletins!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
very interesting! Thank you prof for these short historical essays ( Sorry I don’t know the correct noun) of yours!🙏
How about “short historical news bulletins”? 😉