rumrunners
Prohibition-era smugglers
Rumrunners were people who smuggled alcohol, especially during Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933).
They transported liquor by boat, truck, or car to evade federal agents: Rumrunners brought Canadian whiskey across the Great Lakes.
The term evokes the era of speakeasies and organized crime.
Now used historically or for anyone smuggling contraband.
Illicit liquor establishment
- moonshineIllegally distilled spirits
- bootleggersIllicit liquor traffickers
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- flappers1920s modern young women
repeal · teetotaler · revenuers · hooch · speakeasies · prohibitionist · coastguard · raid
Criminal organization member
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- bootleggersIllicit liquor traffickers
racketeer · mobster · henchmen · turf · bribery · conspiracy · heist · lawless
Prohibited trade goods
- smuggleConvey illicitly across borders
- traffickingIllegal transport for profit
- evasionAct of escaping detection
- coastguardSeafaring emergency responders
speedboat · clandestine · covert · undercover · hidden · stash · hideout · bribery
speakeasy
Illicit liquor establishment
- moonshineIllegally distilled spirits
- bootleggersIllicit liquor traffickers
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
flappers · repeal · teetotaler · revenuers · hooch · speakeasies · prohibitionist · coastguard · raid · flask
gangster
Criminal organization member
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
bootleggers · racketeer · mobster · henchmen · turf · bribery · conspiracy · heist · lawless · underground
contraband
Prohibited trade goods
- smuggleConvey illicitly across borders
- traffickingIllegal transport for profit
- evasionAct of escaping detection
coastguard · speedboat · clandestine · covert · undercover · hidden · stash · hideout · bribery · syndicate
speedboat
Fast motorized watercraft
- coastguardSeafaring emergency responders
- covesSheltered coastal indentations
- offshoreAway from land
schooner · captain · crew · cargo · oceanic · harbor · docks · chase · evasion · coastal
vintage
Quality from past eras
- Roaring TwentiesProsperous 1920s era
- historicOf lasting significance
- bygoneOf earlier times
nostalgic · retro · classic · period · speakeasy · flappers · memorabilia · antique · timeless · heirloom
- Prohibition EraProhibition, bootleggers, bootlegging, bootlegger, speakeasies
- Early 1900sroaring twenties, flapper, jazz, speakeasy, prohibition
- ProhibitionProhibition, speakeasies, bootlegger, bootleggers, speakeasy
- secret organizationscabal, secret society, secret societies, conspiracy, spy network
rumrunnersfederal agents
National law enforcement officers
Eliot Ness · customs officers · G-men · border patrol · police