boot money

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Bribes paid to rugby or soccer players.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

In New Zealand and South Africa, as well as in Australia, rugby, for many years the subject of allegations of under-the-counter payments and 'boot money', now also has a central position in the professionally orientated sporting establishment.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “boot money” mean?

Bribes paid to rugby or soccer players.

Is “boot money” formal or informal?

boot money is generally slang.