Definition

Noun: A person who intentionally causes problems or discord; a troublemaker.

Usage

This term is used to describe an individual whose actions are deliberately disruptive or mischievous. It is a somewhat informal and dated expression.

Examples

• The new employee was labeled a bad hat after he spread rumors that caused conflict in the office.
• The teacher warned the class not to listen to that bad hat, who was always trying to get others into trouble.

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a degree of roguish charm or a mischievous, rather than malicious, intent behind the troublemaking.
• It can be used in a historical or literary context to describe a charming scoundrel or ne'er-do-well.

Variants and Related Words

• Mischief-maker (n): A person who causes trouble or annoyance.
• Troublemaker (n): A person who habitually causes difficulties or problems.
• Rogue (n): A dishonest or unprincipled man, but often with an appealingly mischievous quality.

Synonyms

Troublemaker, mischief-maker, instigator, agitator, rabble-rouser.

Related Idioms

• A bad egg: A dishonest or worthless person. (This idiom shares the connotation of being undesirable or corrupt.)
• Stir the pot: To cause trouble or controversy, often deliberately. (This describes the action of a .)

Noun

1. someone who deliberately stirs up trouble