The term “black marketeer” is commonly used in discussions about illegal trade and commerce. It refers to individuals who engage in buying and selling goods or services outside of the legal marketplace. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of black marketeer, its origins, associations, and synonyms.
Definitions
A black marketeer is a person who operates in the black market, which is an underground economy that operates outside of the legal system. The term is often used to describe individuals who sell goods or services that are illegal or prohibited, such as drugs, weapons, or stolen goods.
Origin
The term “black market” originated during World War II when rationing and price controls were implemented to conserve resources for the war effort. The black market emerged as a way for people to obtain goods that were in short supply or unavailable through legal channels. The term “black marketeer” likely emerged around the same time to describe those who profited from this illegal trade.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a black marketeer is “a person who engages in illegal trading, especially of scarce or controlled goods.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “one who engages in black-market transactions.”
Associations
The term black marketeer is often associated with criminal activity, as the sale of illegal goods or services is often linked to organized crime. It is also associated with economic instability, as the existence of a black market can undermine the legal economy and lead to inflation and other economic problems.
Synonyms
Synonyms for black marketeer include smuggler, bootlegger, trafficker, and fence. These terms all refer to individuals who engage in illegal trade.
Antonyms
Antonyms for black marketeer include legitimate business owner, law-abiding citizen, and licensed dealer. These terms all refer to individuals who operate within the legal marketplace.
The same root words
The term “black market” comes from the idea of an underground or hidden market that operates outside of the legal system. The word “market” comes from the Latin word “mercatus,” which means “trade” or “commerce.”
Example Sentences
- The police arrested several black marketeers who were selling counterfeit goods.
- The government has implemented strict regulations to prevent black marketeers from profiting off of the sale of illegal drugs.
- The black marketeer was caught trying to smuggle weapons across the border.
- The rise of black marketeers has led to a decline in the legitimate economy.
- The legitimate business owners were struggling to compete with the black marketeers who were selling goods at a lower price.