Definition

1. Noun:
   • Vagrant; loafer; delinquent: A person, typically a young male, who leads an idle, wandering life, often engaging in mischief, petty crime, or disruptive behavior instead of working or studying. The term carries a strong negative connotation of social irresponsibility and moral dissolution.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cảnh sát đã bắt giữ một nhóm du đãng. (The police arrested a group of delinquents.)
  • Hắn ta sống cuộc đời của một tên du đãng. (He lives the life of a vagrant.)
  • Khu phố này từng có tiếng là nhiều du đãng. (This neighborhood was once known for having many loafers.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "du đãng" is often used in historical or sociological contexts to describe a subculture of urban youth, particularly in mid-20th century Vietnam, characterized by rebellious style, idleness, and gang-like behavior.
  • Phong cách ăn mặc của giới du đãng Sài Gòn xưa. (The dressing style of the old Saigon delinquents.)

Variants and Related Words

• Du côn (n): Ruffian; hooligan. This term is stronger and implies more violent, thuggish behavior.

  • Bọn du côn luôn gây rối trật tự. (The ruffians always disturb the peace.)

• Lưu manh (n): Rogue; scoundrel. Refers to a deceitful, cunning person, often involved in scams.

  • Tên lưu manh đó đã lừa đảo nhiều người. (That scoundrel has swindled many people.)

Synonyms

• Vagrant: A person without a settled home or regular work.
• Delinquent: A young person who commits minor crimes.
• Hooligan: A violent young troublemaker.
• Wastrel: A wasteful or good-for-nothing person.

Related Idioms

• Ăn chơi du đãng: To lead a dissolute, pleasure-seeking life of idleness.

  • Cậu ấy bỏ học để ăn chơi du đãng. (He dropped out of school to lead a dissolute life.)

• Đầu đường xó chợ: (Literally: street corner, market alley) Describes the wandering, rootless existence typical of a vagrant.

  • Sống cảnh đầu đường xó chợ như kẻ du đãng. (To live a rootless life on the streets like a vagrant.)

noun

1. vagrant