hoodlum
/'hudləm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- an aggressive and violent young criminal