rum-runners
Prohibition-era smugglers
Rum-runners were people who smuggled alcohol illegally, especially during Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933).
The term evokes speedboats outrunning Coast Guard vessels at night, bringing contraband liquor from Canada or the Caribbean.
By extension, rum-running is any alcohol smuggling operation: His grandfather made a fortune as a rum-runner.
Illegal liquor trafficker
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- speakeasyIllicit liquor establishment
- moonshineIllegally distilled spirits
bathtub gin · 18th Amendment · temperance · dry · repeal · 21st Amendment · teetotaler · prohibitionist
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- underworldRealm of the departed
- organized crimeStructured illegal enterprise
gang · racketeer · mobster · Tommy gun · turf war · bribery · corruption · payoff
Fast motorized watercraft
- offshoreAway from land
- nighttimeDark hours between dusk and dawn
- evasionAct of escaping detection
- coastalOf the shoreline
pursuit · Coast Guard · chase · cargo hold · hidden compartment · rendezvous · drop point · signal lights
Risky exciting undertaking
- dangerExposure to harm
- riskPossibility of harm
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- daringAdventurous courage
escapade · stealth · intrigue · gamble · cat-and-mouse · lawlessness · excitement · narrow escape
Prosperous 1920s era
- jazz age1920s American cultural era
- flappers1920s modern young women
- CharlestonSouthern Atlantic port city
- underground clubSecret nightlife venue
Gatsby · hidden door · jazz band · cigarette holder · American history · 1920s
bootlegger
Illegal liquor trafficker
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- speakeasyIllicit liquor establishment
moonshine · bathtub gin · 18th Amendment · temperance · dry · repeal · 21st Amendment · teetotaler · prohibitionist · clandestine
Al Capone
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- underworldRealm of the departed
organized crime · gang · racketeer · mobster · Tommy gun · turf war · bribery · corruption · payoff · muscle
speedboat
Fast motorized watercraft
coastal · pursuit · Coast Guard · chase · cargo hold · hidden compartment · rendezvous · drop point · signal lights · decoy
adventure
Risky exciting undertaking
- dangerExposure to harm
- riskPossibility of harm
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
daring · escapade · stealth · intrigue · gamble · cat-and-mouse · lawlessness · excitement · narrow escape · close call
Roaring Twenties
Prosperous 1920s era
- jazz age1920s American cultural era
- flappers1920s modern young women
- CharlestonSouthern Atlantic port city
Gatsby · underground club · hidden door · jazz band · cigarette holder · American history · 1920s
rum-runnersrevenue agents
Government workers collecting taxes
federal agents · Eliot Ness · The Untouchables · coast guard · customs officers