Street
yob
What does yob mean?
A rowdy, aggressive or loutish young man.
"A gang of yobs were kicking off outside the chippy."
Origin
Back slang: 'boy' spelled backwards. Recorded from the 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'yob' mean?
It's a British term for a rowdy, aggressive or loutish young man.
Where does the word 'yob' come from?
It's back slang — 'boy' spelled backwards — recorded from the 19th century.
Is 'yob' an insult?
Yes, it's derogatory, describing someone as a lout or hooligan. 'Yobbo' is a common variant.
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