What does blackleg mean?
'Blackleg' is a chiefly British term for a person who keeps working, or accepts work, while their colleagues are out on strike — what Americans more commonly call a strikebreaker or, more pejoratively, a scab. The word carries strong disapproval in trade-union circles, where being branded a blackleg has historically carried real social stigma. An older, now largely dated British sense describes a cheat or swindler, especially someone who cheats at cards or gambling. Separately, 'blackleg' names an infectious bacterial disease of cattle and sheep (and a similar blight of potato plants), so context usually makes clear which sense is meant. The word dates from the eighteenth century; its exact origin is uncertain, though it combines the familiar elements 'black' and 'leg'. It can also function as a verb meaning to act as a strikebreaker. Writers reaching for a vivid, historically loaded alternative to 'scab' will find few words with more bite.
A person who continues working or takes up employment during a strike; a strikebreaker. A second, dated British sense denotes a person who cheats at gambling or swindles in business. In agriculture and veterinary medicine, 'blackleg' names an infectious bacterial disease of cattle, sheep, and potatoes.
"The strikers shouted abuse at the blacklegs escorted through the factory gates."
Chiefly British; the industrial sense is strongly pejorative.
To work as a blackleg during a strike, or to supply workers to replace striking employees.
"Several men were shunned by the community after they agreed to blackleg during the dock strike."
Less common than the noun; used mainly in British labour contexts.
Standard plural; used for multiple strikebreakers or cheats. The agricultural disease sense is typically uncountable.
"The mine owner recruited blacklegs from outside the region to keep the pits running."
In Victorian Britain, calling someone a 'blackleg' was one of the gravest insults a working man could utter — worse than many profanities.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blackleg
The word 'blackleg' first appeared in English in the early eighteenth century, formed simply from the existing words 'black' and 'leg'. Its original application is uncertain; theories include a reference to a leg injured or diseased, to dark clothing worn by certain workers, or to the dirtiness associated with menial or disreputable labour. By the nineteenth century it had become firmly established in British industrial vocabulary for strikebreakers, and an earlier sense denoting a gambler or swindler had also developed. It shares its first element with other negative or transgressive 'black-' compounds such as 'blackguard', 'blackmail', and 'blackball', all drawing on black's long association with disgrace and wrongdoing.
How blackleg is actually used
'Blackleg' is chiefly British; American English strongly prefers 'scab' or 'strikebreaker' for the industrial sense. The word carries heavy pejorative force in trade-union contexts and can be genuinely offensive when aimed at individuals. The gambling-cheat sense is now largely historical or dialectal.
Easily confused with blackleg
'Bootleg' refers to something made, sold, or transported illegally (especially liquor or recordings), whereas 'blackleg' refers to a strikebreaker or a cheating swindler.