Slang word for “Black Market” foods during WWII

Hello, everyone. While researching a story set during World War II, I came across an item—a section of someone’s diary, I believe—where they used a slang term for illegally acquired meat. For the life of me, I can’t recall where I saw the term.

What was the term for food bought on the black market during World War II?

Thanks in advance to all who might help with this question.

Maryn said:

All I have to offer is decent (I hope) guesses: rationed, contraband, bootlegged, under-the-counter, smuggled, illicit, unauthorized, clandestine...

I'm not a linguist by any means, but the term black market existed before WWII, when its use grew exponentially with the onset of rationing.

Maryn, who's bought a black-market item or two in her day

Click to expand...

Thank you. It seems I haven’t made myself clear enough. It’s not a synonym I seek, but a specific term for rationed food items during WWII—beef in particular, in this instance—and I came across it last year as I read a journal/diary book written by a WWII veteran. I’ve searched the Internet to the best of my ability (without much to go on, mind you), and I was hoping to not have to read the book again to find the author’s one-time use of it. It seems that’s exactly what I’ll need to do. If and when I discover the word, I’ll post it here for all to see. Thanks again!

EDIT TO ADD: Unfortunately, the book has no index where I might try to look up the word, which, if memory serves me correctly, began with the letter “b.”

Bufty said:

Do you mean bully or bully beef? That's just another term for corned beef.

Or barrow-boys? Market traders.

Or the barras. That's a Glasgow area.

Click to expand...

Thank you, but no, it’s none of those you suggested. Again, it’s a term for food bought on the black market in the United States during World War II. The reference to it I read used it to describe some illegally purchased beef. But I believe anyone could use the same term for foods other than beef, although I must verify that presumption.

The veteran who wrote the book was not a talented writer. Their diary/journal book is a tedious read, but I’m slogging through it again. I’m taking notes this time, as I ought to have done the first time, so at least I will gain something from the effort.

When I rediscover the term I seek, I’ll post it here for everyone's edification.

Unimportant said:

KitCarruthers, the original posted their question nearly two years ago, so they're probably not going to see your suggestion (or they've probably moved on and don't need it any more). It's a good idea to check whether a thread is active before you reply to it.

Click to expand...

Still here. I’ve found the slang word for the black market meat dealers, “meatleggers,” but not the slang word for the black market beef itself.