Hoodlum: meaning, definitions and examples

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hoodlum

[ˈhʊdləm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal behavior

A hoodlum is a person who engages in criminal activities, often associated with violence and vandalism. They may be part of a gang or act alone, targeting innocent people or businesses for robbery or intimidation.

Synonyms

criminal, delinquent, gangster, thug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hoodlum	Often used to describe a young person who engages in minor criminal activities or rowdy behavior, typically in an urban setting. The neighborhood was terrorized by a gang of hoodlums. Catching those hoodlums spray-painting the wall wasn't easy.
thug	Describes someone who engages in violent criminal activity. It has a strong negative connotation and implies physical aggression. The thug threatened the shopkeeper with a knife. A group of thugs attacked the travelers on the deserted road.
delinquent	Typically refers to a young person who regularly engages in minor crimes or socially unacceptable behavior. It has a more formal tone compared to 'hoodlum'. Juvenile delinquents often skip school and engage in petty theft. The community program aims to help delinquents turn their lives around.
gangster	Refers to a member of an organized crime group. It often has a cinematic or dramatic connotation. The infamous gangster controlled the entire neighborhood. Movies about gangsters often glamorize their lifestyle.
criminal	A broad term for anyone who commits a crime, ranging from minor offenses to severe crimes. It is factual and can be used in both formal and informal situations. The police arrested the criminal for robbery. He turned out to be a career criminal with a long record.

Examples of usage

The neighborhood has been plagued by hoodlums breaking into cars and vandalizing property.
The hoodlum threatened the shop owner with a knife during the robbery.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal term for a troublemaker

In a more informal sense, a hoodlum can also refer to a person who causes trouble or disruption in a community. This type of hoodlum may not necessarily be involved in criminal activities, but their behavior is still disruptive and harmful.

Synonyms

nuisance, rabble-rouser, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hoodlum	Refers to a person involved in violent or criminal activities, usually in a gang. Often associated with urban environments. The police arrested a hoodlum who was vandalizing cars in the neighborhood The store owner was tired of the hoodlums causing trouble outside his shop
troublemaker	Refers to someone who often causes trouble, but not necessarily through violent means. Can be used for both minor and major disruptions. The teacher had to deal with a troublemaker who kept disrupting the class At the family gathering, he was known as the troublemaker
rabble-rouser	Used for someone who stirs up the emotions of a crowd, often for political reasons. This term can have a negative connotation. The politician was accused of being a rabble-rouser The rabble-rouser managed to get the crowd to protest
nuisance	Describes someone or something that causes minor annoyance or inconvenience but not necessarily violent or criminal behavior. The barking dog next door is such a nuisance The constant noise from the construction site is a real nuisance

Examples of usage

The group of teenagers were considered hoodlums by the local residents due to their loud and rowdy behavior.
Don't be a hoodlum and disturb the peace in the neighborhood.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'hoodlum' may have originated in the late 19th century in San Francisco, possibly derived from a mispronunciation of 'hooligan.'
Some believe it's a combination of the German word 'hudel' (meaning 'to be a street urchin') and 'lum,' which could mean 'play' or 'to perform.'

Pop Culture

Hoodlums are commonly depicted in gangster films from the early 20th century, often representing youth rebelling against authority.
The word has been used in the titles of various movies, books, and songs, emphasizing themes of rebellion and troublemaking.

Social Implications

The word can carry a stigma, often associating youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds with delinquent behavior.
Stereotypes about hoodlums can impact societal views on crime and youth, potentially leading to unfair prejudices.

Historical Context

During the Great Depression, some young people turned to petty crime, and the term 'hoodlum' emerged to describe these youths.
Hoodlum gangs were prevalent in the 1920s and 1930s, often noted for their turf wars and illegal activities.

Literature

Hoodlum characters frequently appear in novels exploring themes of urban life, such as those by authors like Richard Wright.
The term is often used to depict marginalized youth in literature that critiques societal structures and class disparity.

Translations

Translations of the word "hoodlum" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bandido

🇮🇳 गुंडा

🇩🇪 Schläger

🇮🇩 penjahat

🇺🇦 бандит

🇵🇱 bandyta

🇯🇵 ごろつき

🇫🇷 voyou

🇪🇸 matón

🇹🇷 haydut

🇰🇷 깡패

🇸🇦 بلطجي

🇨🇿 grázl

🇸🇰 bitkár

🇨🇳 暴徒

🇸🇮 baraba

🇮🇸 bófi

🇰🇿 қылмыскер

🇬🇪 ბანდიტი

🇦🇿 bandit

🇲🇽 matón

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,696 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
34693 stroboscopic
34694 parachuted
34695 licenced
34696 hoodlum
34697 carillon
34698 waylay
34699 denuding
...