Street
racket
What does racket mean?
A racket is an ongoing illegal business, such as extortion, gambling, or bootlegging, run by organized criminals. A 'racketeer' is one who runs it.
"He had a hand in every racket in the ward, from numbers to protection."
Origin
American slang, 1920s; from earlier 'racket' meaning noise or dishonest scheme.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'racket'?
A racket is an ongoing illegal money-making enterprise, such as extortion, illegal gambling, or bootlegging, run by organized criminals.
What is a 'racketeer'?
A racketeer is a person who runs or profits from a racket. The word is the root of 'racketeering,' a legal term for organized criminal activity.
Where does 'racket' come from?
It is American slang from the 1920s, drawn from an earlier sense of 'racket' meaning noise, commotion, or a dishonest scheme.
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