Blackmail

Lore & Background

Blackmail was originally a term from the Scottish Borders meaning payments rendered in exchange for protection from thieves and marauders. The word 'blackmail' is variously derived from the word for mailing (protection racket) paid by English and Scottish border dwellers to Border Reivers. The 'mail' part derives from Middle English 'male' meaning rent or tribute, from Old Norse 'mál' (agreement, speech, lawsuit). This tribute was paid in goods or labour (reditus nigri, or 'blackmail'), as opposed to 'white rent' denoting payment in silver. Alternatively, Mackay derives it from two Scottish Gaelic words: 'blathaich' (to protect) and 'mal' (tribute, payment). In the Irish language, the term 'cíos dubh' (black rent) was used for similar exactions.

Reader's Guide

It is often considered a form of extortion, though the two are generally synonymous; extortion involves taking personal property by threat of future harm, while blackmail includes using threats to prevent lawful occupation, writing libelous letters, or intimidation for debt collection. Some scholars argue blackmail should not be a crime, citing 'the paradox of blackmail': two separate actions that are legally permissible individually become criminal when combined. For example, threatening to expose a crime and requesting money are each legal, but together constitute blackmail. The offense carries punitive sanctions for convicted perpetrators.

Did You Know?

• Blackmail was originally a term from the Scottish Borders meaning payments for protection from thieves.
• The word 'blackmail' derives from Middle English 'male' meaning rent or tribute.
• In the Irish language, the term 'cíos dubh' (black rent) was used for similar exactions.
• Some scholars argue blackmail should not be a crime due to the 'paradox of blackmail'.