Bootlegging refers to the illegal production, distribution, or sale of goods, most commonly alcohol. This practice became widely known during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), when the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages were banned. Bootleggers often smuggled alcohol from other countries or produced it secretly to meet the demand of consumers. The term "bootlegging" can also apply to the unauthorized copying and distribution of music, movies, or software. In this context, it involves the illegal sharing of copyrighted material without permission from the original creators, which can lead to legal consequences for those involved.