noun
hoodlum
HOOD-luhm
Hoodlum (noun) means a violent or lawless young troublemaker; a small-time thug. Example: “A gang of hoodlums smashed the shop window.”
noun
1
A violent or lawless young troublemaker; a small-time thug.
"A gang of hoodlums smashed the shop window."
"He was arrested as a teenage hoodlum for vandalism."
How to use hoodlum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal word for a young thug or petty criminal.
When to use it
Somewhat dated and informal — "thug" or "delinquent" are more neutral modern alternatives.
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Word forms
- Plural
- hoodlums
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A gang of _____ smashed the shop window.
Etymology
First recorded in an 1866 San Francisco newspaper describing a "Hoodlum Gang" of young thieves; the exact origin is debated, with theories ranging from German dialect words for "ragamuffin" to a garbled gang call.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “hoodlum” mean?
The word “hoodlum” means a violent or lawless young troublemaker; a small-time thug. In plain terms, an informal word for a young thug or petty criminal.
How do you pronounce “hoodlum”?
“Hoodlum” is pronounced HOOD-luhm (/ˈhuːdləm/ in IPA).
How do you use “hoodlum” in a sentence?
Here is “hoodlum” used in a sentence: “A gang of hoodlums smashed the shop window.”
What part of speech is “hoodlum”?
“Hoodlum” is a noun.
Where does the word “hoodlum” come from?
The word “hoodlum” dates back to around 1866 and comes from German. First recorded in an 1866 San Francisco newspaper describing a "Hoodlum Gang" of young thieves; the exact origin is debated, with theories ranging from German dialect words for "ragamuffin" to a garbled gang call.
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