What does hooliganism mean?
Hooliganism refers to disorderly, violent, or destructive conduct by groups, particularly sports supporters whose behavior threatens spectators, property, or public order. The word is also used for organized intimidation and disruptive conduct, including in political contexts. It is a strongly evaluative term: it presents the behavior as a serious social problem rather than ordinary misconduct, and it is usually reserved for conspicuous collective disorder. In British and American English, football hooliganism and sports hooliganism are established expressions, while political hooliganism is used when intimidation or disruption is part of political conflict. The related words hooligan and hooligan are widely used for an individual associated with such conduct, although those forms can sound informal and sometimes carry a broader, less formal sense of a mischievous or disruptive person.
nounHooliganism is disorderly, violent, or destructive behavior by a group, especially in connection with sports or public events. The term is also used more broadly for organized intimidation or disorderly conduct intended to intimidate or disrupt others.
- Disorderly, violent, or destructive behavior by groups, especially sports supporters or participants in public disorder.
- Organized intimidation or disruptive conduct intended to intimidate others, often in political or social contexts.
"The match was halted after years of crowd disorder and hooliganism outside the stadium."
"Police increased security after reports of football hooliganism near the stadium."
"The documentary examined how political hooliganism can be used to intimidate opposition groups."
The standard plural exists, but hooliganism is ordinarily used as an uncountable noun.
"The report documented separate hooliganisms at several sporting events."
The origin of “hooligan” is famously disputed, but the word became a lasting label for disorderly and intimidating crowds after its late-19th-century appearance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hooliganism come from?
The word “hooliganism” was formed in the late 19th century from “hooligan,” a term for a rough or disorderly person. The origin of “hooligan” is uncertain; it is often linked to an Irish family name and to a supposed 19th-century brawl, but these explanations are disputed. The word soon became associated with violent street disorder and later with organized sports crowds.
Related word forms
How hooliganism is actually used
The term is strongly negative and is especially common in news and public discussion concerning sports crowds, public disorder, or political intimidation. It is generally used as an uncountable noun; a plural form is uncommon.