Yob: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.