Hooligan: meaning, definitions and examples

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hooligan

 

[ ˈhuːlɪɡən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

Examples of usage

  • The hooligans started a fight at the football match.
  • The group of hooligans vandalized the public property.
Context #2 | Noun

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

hoodlum, ruffian, yob

Examples of usage

  • The hooligans clashed with the police outside the stadium.
  • The hooligans were banned from attending future games.

Translations

Translations of the word "hooligan" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vândalo

🇮🇳 गुंडा

🇩🇪 Rowdy

🇮🇩 perusuh

🇺🇦 хуліган

🇵🇱 chuligan

🇯🇵 不良少年 (furyō shōnen)

🇫🇷 voyou

🇪🇸 vándalo

🇹🇷 holigan

🇰🇷 불량배 (bullyang-bae)

🇸🇦 مشاغب

🇨🇿 hooligan

🇸🇰 hooligan

🇨🇳 流氓 (liúmáng)

🇸🇮 huligan

🇮🇸 óeirðarseggur

🇰🇿 бұзақы

🇬🇪 ხულიგანი

🇦🇿 xuliqan

🇲🇽 vándalo

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,599, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.