Hooligan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฌ
hooligan
[หhuหlษชษกษn ]
Definitions
behavior
A hooligan is a person who engages in rowdy, violent, or destructive behavior, typically in a group setting. They often disregard rules and social norms, causing disruption and chaos.
Synonyms
delinquent, thug, troublemaker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hooligan |
Used to describe someone who engages in rowdy, disruptive, or violent behavior, especially in the context of sports events.
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| troublemaker |
Refers to someone who causes problems or disrupts the peace, often in a more general or less violent sense compared to 'hooligan' or 'thug'.
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| delinquent |
Refers to young people, usually minors, who exhibit antisocial or criminal behavior. Often used in legal or social work contexts.
|
| thug |
Describes someone, often a member of a gang, who engages in violent or criminal activities. Has a very negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The hooligans started a fight at the football match.
- The group of hooligans vandalized the public property.
British English
In British English, a hooligan refers to a person who is involved in unruly or aggressive behavior, especially in the context of football matches or other public events.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hooligan |
Used for people, often young, who engage in rowdy, violent, or destructive behavior, especially in social settings like sporting events or public gatherings.
|
| ruffian |
Describes a brutal or violent person, often used in literary or historical contexts. It carries a sense of old-fashioned or poetic language.
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| yob |
British slang term for a young man who is rude, noisy, and badly behaved. It often carries a connotation of lower social class.
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| hoodlum |
Indicates a member of a gang who is involved in criminal activities. This term has a stronger association with organized crime.
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Examples of usage
- The hooligans clashed with the police outside the stadium.
- The hooligans were banned from attending future games.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Hooligans often symbolize a particular subculture linked to football (soccer) in the UK, where intense rivalries lead to uncontrollable behavior.
- In the 1980s, football hooliganism gained notoriety, leading to government and club interventions to promote safety and reduce violence at games.
Psychology
- Hooligan behavior can be understood through group dynamics, where individuals feel empowered to act aggressively when part of a larger crowd.
- Social identity theory suggests that individuals act as 'hooligans' to align with their group's identity, sometimes ignoring personal morals.
Art and Media
- Hooligan culture has been depicted in various films and books, such as 'Green Street Hooligans,' which highlights the subculture's complexities.
- Music, especially punk rock, has often referenced hooliganism as a form of rebellion against societal norms.
Legal Aspects
- Many countries have implemented laws specifically targeting hooligan behavior, such as banning known troublemakers from attending events.
- In the UK, the Football Offenses Act 1991 was introduced to give authorities more power to deal with violent fans at matches.
Origin of 'hooligan'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hooligan' first appeared in British newspapers around 1890, possibly derived from a character in a popular music hall song.
- Its origins may also come from the Irish surname 'Houlihan,' associated with rowdy behavior in early immigrant communities.
The term 'hooligan' originated in the late 19th century in England, possibly derived from the surname of a fictional rowdy Irish family in a music hall song. It became associated with violent and disruptive behavior, particularly in the context of football hooliganism. Over the years, the word has evolved to describe anyone who engages in such behavior, regardless of the setting.