Definition of hoodlum

The word "hoodlum" has a fascinating origin. It is believed to have emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. Initially, it referred to a member of a gang or group of rough, unsavory young people who roamed the streets of cities, often getting into trouble and causing mischief. The term is thought to have originated from the slang expression "hoodlum's thrum," which referred to the sound of a racket or uproar. Over time, the phrase was shortened to "hoodlum," and it became a colloquialism for any young person engaged in rowdy or mischievous behavior. By the early 20th century, the term "hoodlum" had taken on a connotation of criminality and delinquency, and it remains a popular term for a gang member, thug, or troublemaker to this day.