Street
booster
What does booster mean?
A booster is a shoplifter, one who steals merchandise from stores, often concealing it in special clothing or 'booster bags.'
"She worked the department stores as a booster, filling a lined coat with silk in twenty minutes."
Origin
American underworld slang, late 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'booster'?
A booster is a shoplifter, someone who steals merchandise from stores, often concealing it in special clothing or lined 'booster bags'.
What is a 'booster bag'?
It is a bag or garment lined to defeat store security tags, used by a booster to conceal stolen goods while shoplifting.
Where does 'booster' come from?
It is American underworld slang dating back to the late nineteenth century.
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