hoodlum
hood·lum
noun \ˈhüd-ləm, ˈhu̇d-\Definition of HOODLUM
1
: thug; especially : a violent criminal
2
: a young ruffian
— hood·lum·ish \-lə-mish\ adjective
— hood·lum·ism \-ˌmi-zəm\ noun
Examples of HOODLUM
- <a couple of hoodlums held up the convenience store>
Origin of HOODLUM
perhaps from German dialect (Swabia) hudelum disorderly
First Known Use: 1871
Related to HOODLUM
Related Words: cutthroat, scoundrel, villain; assassin, bandit, bravo, brigand, criminal, crook, desperado, felon, gunman, highwayman, lawbreaker, mafioso, malefactor, offender, outlaw, perp, perpetrator, pirate; pickpocket, racketeer, robber, swindler, thief, vandal; juvenile delinquent, tearaway [British]
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