Definition

Noun: A person who illegally buys or sells goods or commodities that are scarce, rationed, or controlled by the government, typically on the black market.

Usage

The term black marketeer specifically refers to the individual engaging in the illegal trade activity. It is a compound noun formed from "black market." It is used to identify or describe a person involved in such illicit commerce. * During the war, the black marketeer sold sugar and gasoline at extremely high prices. * The police arrested a notorious black marketeer who was smuggling medicine.

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a strong negative connotation, implying exploitation of shortages for personal profit.
• It can be used in both historical contexts (e.g., wartime) and contemporary ones (e.g., trade in banned electronics or pharmaceuticals).

Variants and Related Words

• Black market (n.): The illegal market itself where such trading occurs.
• Black-marketeering (n.): The activity or practice of being a black marketeer.
• Racketeer (n.): A person who engages in dishonest and fraudulent business dealings, often as part of an organized scheme. (This is a broader term that can include black marketeers.)
• Bootlegger (n.): A person who makes, distributes, or sells goods, especially alcohol, illegally. (A specific type of black marketeer.)

Synonyms

• Smuggler
• Trafficker (especially in controlled goods)
• Racketeer
• Bootlegger (context-specific)

Antonyms

• Licensed dealer
• Legitimate trader
• Authorized vendor

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To deal on the black market: The verbal phrase describing the action of a black marketeer.
  • He was accused of dealing on the black market.

Noun

1. someone who engages illegally in trade in scarce or controlled commodities

Verb

1. deal on the black market