hooligan

[ hoo-li-guhn ]

noun

1. a ruffian or hoodlum.

adjective

1. of or like hooligans.

hooligan

/ ˈhuːlɪɡən /

noun

1. slang.
   a rough lawless young person

Derived Forms

• ˈhooliganism, noun

Other Words From

• hooli·gan·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hooligan¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; perhaps after the Irish surname Hooligan, but corroborating evidence is lacking

Word History and Origins

Origin of hooligan¹

C19: perhaps variant of Houlihan, Irish surname

Example Sentences

And then there is Caminero, who remains, quietly simply, a hooligan.

From The Daily Beast

Try a manly washed-rind cheese like the Cato Corner Farm Hooligan with a floral, sweet wine like a Riesling or Gewurtztraminer.

From The Daily Beast

Because the Christian regards the hooligan, the thief, the wanton, and the drunkard as men and women who have done wrong.

From Project Gutenberg

Mike Hooligan give him that stick: it come from Ireland, and was the pride of Mike's heart; he wouldn't take gold for it.

From Project Gutenberg

Hooligan and his wife, scoundrelly caretakers in charge of a mansion in River Forest.

From Project Gutenberg

Hooligan told her it wouldn't be necessary for her to say anything, as she could get back to Archer Avenue in the afternoon.

From Project Gutenberg

He's care-taker during the summer for a house in River Forest, Hooligan is, and he took the girl there.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• criminal
• delinquent
• gangster
• mobster
• rowdy
• thug
• troublemaker