Hoodlum

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈhuːdləm/ or /ˈhʊdləm/

Definitions

• A person, especially a young man, who engages in criminal or violent behavior; a gangster.
• A troublemaker or delinquent.

Usage Examples

• "The city was plagued by groups of hoodlums causing disturbances at night."
• "The police arrested a known hoodlum involved in the robbery."

Etymology

The term hoodlum is believed to have originated in the 19th century in the United States, possibly from German or Yiddish slang, referring to rowdy or criminal behavior.

Synonyms

• Thug
• Gangster
• Delinquent
• Ruffian
• Criminal

Antonyms

• Law-abiding citizen
• Gentleman
• Peacemaker

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈhʊdləm/
• British English: /ˈhuːdləm/

Historical Usage

First appearing in American English in the late 19th century, the word hoodlum was often used to describe street gangs and young criminals in urban settings.

Cultural Nuances

The term hoodlum is often associated with gang culture and crime, but in some contexts, it may simply refer to rebellious youth or mischievous individuals.

More Information

Over time, the word hoodlum has been used in literature and media to depict lawbreakers and troublemakers. While its meaning has remained largely negative, it has been romanticized in some films and novels about gangsters and crime life.