Rowdies: meaning, definitions and examples

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rowdies

 

[ ˈraʊdiːz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

group behavior

Rowdies are individuals who engage in disorderly or unruly behavior, often in a group setting. This term is commonly associated with fans at sporting events who create disturbances, whether through aggressive actions, loud chanting, or rowdy celebrations.

Synonyms

hooligans, rowdy crowd, ruffians, troublemakers

Examples of usage

  • The rowdies caused a scene during the football match.
  • A group of rowdies disrupted the concert last night.
  • The rowdies were warned by security to calm down.
  • Police had to intervene to manage the rowdy crowd.

Word origin

The term 'rowdies' is derived from the word 'rowdy,' which first emerged in the early 19th century in the United States. The etymology of 'rowdy' is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the Scottish dialect, where 'rude' and 'rowd' referred to rough or disorderly behavior. Over time, the term evolved to describe individuals who would disturb the peace, particularly in the context of public gatherings or events. By the late 1800s, 'rowdy' had become a common descriptor for noisy and boisterous individuals, especially in connection with sports events and public amusements. This association with unruly behavior led to 'rowdies' being used to identify groups of people who exhibited disruptive actions, solidifying its place in American English vernacular.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,969, 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.