What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smuggled
Example
The police found a large amount of smuggled drugs in the hidden compartment of the truck. [smuggled: adjective]
Example
He was caught trying to smuggle cigarettes across the border. [smuggle: verb]
bootleg
Example
He sold bootleg DVDs on the street corner. [bootleg: adjective]
Example
She downloaded a bootleg copy of the new album. [bootleg: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bootleg is more commonly used than smuggled in everyday language. Bootleg is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while smuggled is less common and refers specifically to illegal importation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smuggled and bootleg?
Both smuggled and bootleg are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
