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

1. <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

Synonyms: bully, gangbanger, gangsta, gangster, goon, gorilla, homeboy, homey (or homie), hood, hooligan, mobster, mug, plug-ugly, punk, roughneck, rowdy, ruffian, thug, tough, toughie (also toughy), yob [British], yobbo [British]

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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