Definition

Noun: 1. An aggressive and violent young criminal: A hoodlum is a person, typically a young man, who engages in violent, threatening, or criminal behavior, often as part of a gang or group.

Usage

The word "hoodlum" is used to describe a person who commits crimes, especially through intimidation, violence, or vandalism. It often carries a connotation of youth and street-level gang activity. It is a strong, informal term.

Examples

• The store owner called the police after being threatened by a hoodlum demanding protection money.
• In the old neighborhood, gangs of hoodlums would often vandalize the playground at night.
• The film portrayed the main character's transformation from a petty hoodlum into a powerful crime boss.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Cultural Context: The term "hoodlum" originated in San Francisco in the late 19th century and was popularized in American English to describe street gang members and ruffians.
• Stylistic Note: While still understood, "hoodlum" can sometimes sound dated or like a term from classic gangster films. In modern contexts, words like "gangster," "thug," or "delinquent" may be more common.

Variants and Related Words

• Hood (noun, informal): A common shortened form of "hoodlum."
  • Example: He used to run with a bad crowd and was just a young hood from the streets.

Synonyms

• Thug: A violent person, especially a criminal.
• Gangster: A member of an organized criminal gang.
• Ruffian: A violent, lawless person.
• Delinquent: A young person who regularly commits minor crimes.
• Hooligan: A rowdy, violent person who causes public disturbance.

Antonyms

• Law-abiding citizen
• Model citizen

Idioms and Phrases

• Little hoodlum: A phrase, often used with a degree of exasperation or dark humor, to describe a mischievous or badly-behaved child.
  • Example: My son and his friends broke a window playing baseball—those little hoodlums!

Noun

1. an aggressive and violent young criminal