What does hoodlum mean?
Hoodlum is a chiefly American noun for a rough, violent, or criminal person, especially a young man who behaves in a disorderly or menacing way. The term is often derogatory and conveys both wrongdoing and an unrestrained or threatening manner. In ordinary use, it can describe a street offender, a member of a violent gang, or more broadly a troublesome, unruly character. Hoodlum appears in American prose and conversation more often than in British English, and its somewhat old-fashioned sound makes it feel more pointed than neutral terms such as offender or delinquent. Context matters: calling someone a hoodlum asserts that they are dishonest, rough, or dangerous, whereas calling them a troublemaker may imply only disobedience or disorder. The word is memorable partly because its history is uncertain; it was established in 19th-century American English without a securely known source. Its bluntness makes it effective in journalism and fiction, but unsuitable where careful, non-stigmatizing language is required.
nounA rough, violent, or criminal person, especially a young man who behaves in a disorderly or menacing way.
- A rough, violent, or criminal person, especially a young man involved in gang activity or street disorder.
"A group of hoodlums loitered outside the railway station, waiting for the evening crowd."
"The detective suspected that the hoodlum had entered through the rear entrance."
"The novel portrays the corrupt politician as a charming hoodlum who exploits everyone around him."
The regular plural is used for multiple people; hoodlum's is also possible but much less common in modern English.
"The two hoodlums fled when they heard the police approaching."
The word sounds like a familiar type of street troublemaker, but its own origin remains surprisingly mysterious.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hoodlum come from?
The precise origin of hoodlum is uncertain. The word was in use in the United States by the mid-19th century as a term for a rough or criminal young man. Because its derivation has not been securely established, it should not confidently be assigned to a cognate in another language.
How hoodlum is actually used
Informal and usually derogatory; it is more common in American than British English and can sound dated in formal writing.
Easily confused with hoodlum
A hoodlum is generally a rough or criminal individual, whereas a hooligan is especially associated with disruptive or violent behavior, often in connection with sports or public disorder.