hoodlum
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hood·lum

noun \ˈhüd-ləm, ˈhd-\

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

  1. <a couple of hoodlums held up the convenience store>

Origin of HOODLUM

perhaps from German dialect (Swabia) hudelum disorderly
First Known Use: 1871

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