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Yob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yob

[jÉ’b ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

slang

A derogatory term for a rude, obnoxious, or unpleasant person.

Synonyms

bully, hooligan, ruffian, thug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yob

Informal British English, often used to describe a young person who behaves in a rude, noisy, and aggressive way. It has a negative connotation.

  • The yobs outside were causing a scene, shouting and swearing at passersby.
  • The park has become a gathering place for yobs who litter and make a lot of noise.
hooligan

Typically refers to rowdy, violent, or destructive behavior by individuals, often related to sports events, especially football matches.

  • The match was disrupted by hooligans who started a fight in the stands.
  • Hooligans vandalized the stadium after their team lost the game.
thug

A term often used to describe a violent criminal or gangster. The word has a strong negative connotation and implies a connection to serious criminal activity.

  • The thug was arrested for assault and robbery.
  • She felt threatened by the group of thugs loitering on the corner.
bully

A person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable. Commonly used in contexts related to schools or workplaces.

  • The school has strict measures to prevent bullying.
  • Nobody stood up to the office bully, even though he was rude to everyone.
ruffian

An old-fashioned term for a violent person, often involved in crime. It's less common in modern usage.

  • The quiet village was terrorized by a group of ruffians.
  • Ruffians prowled the alleyways looking for trouble.

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a yob and learn some manners.
  • He's always causing trouble, what a yob!
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A young person, typically a boy, especially one who is loud and rowdy.

Synonyms

adolescent, teenager, youth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yob

Use this word when referring to a young person who is behaving badly or causing trouble. This term has a negative connotation.

  • The yobs were causing a disturbance outside the shop late at night.
  • A group of yobs vandalized the playground.
teenager

This is a general term used to refer to someone who is in their teen years, typically between the ages of 13 and 19. It is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • My niece is a very responsible teenager.
  • Teenagers often struggle with issues of identity and self-esteem.
adolescent

This word is suitable for formal or medical contexts to describe a young person in the transitional stage from a child to an adult.

  • Adolescents often face a lot of pressure from their peers.
  • The program is aimed at addressing the mental health needs of adolescents.
youth

This word can be used to describe young people collectively or an individual young person, and it is neutral to positive in tone. Often used in social, educational, or political contexts.

  • The youth of today are very tech-savvy.
  • The program aims to engage the local youth in community service.

Examples of usage

  • The yobs were causing a disturbance in the park.
  • The group of yobs were skateboarding in the street.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'yob'

The term 'yob' originated in the UK in the 1960s as a slang term for a rowdy or aggressive young person. It is believed to be derived from the word 'boy' spelled backwards. Over time, 'yob' has evolved to refer to a variety of negative behaviors and attitudes, often associated with youth culture.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,109, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.