hoodlum

(ho̵odləm, ho̵̅o̅d-)

noun

  1. a wild, lawless person, often a member of a gang of criminals
  2. a tough-looking young ruffian

Origin: prob. < Ger dial. (esp. Swiss) hudilump, wretch, miserable fellow < MHG hudel, rag, wretch + lump, rag, tatter, wretch

Related Forms:

See hoodlum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A gangster; a thug.
  2. A tough, often aggressive or violent youth.

Origin:

Origin: Origin unknown

.

Related Forms:

  • hoodˈlum·ism noun

Learn more about hoodlum

link/cite print suggestion box