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B2 Noun (plural) #48 más común 13 min de lectura

hoodlums

Top 48

Hoodlums are a group of people who do bad things. They might break windows or steal things. They are usually young people. We use this word when we want to say that a group is causing trouble in a city or a street. It is a negative word. For example, 'The hoodlums are in the park.' This means the people in the park are doing something wrong and making people feel unsafe. You should use this word only for people who are being very bad, not just for children who are playing loudly. It is like the word 'bad guys' but for a group of young people.

Hoodlums are young people who act in a violent or criminal way. They often work together in a group or a small gang. You might see this word in a simple news story or hear it in a movie. It is a noun, and it is almost always plural because it describes a group. If you see people spray-painting a wall or breaking into a car, you might call them hoodlums. It is a stronger word than 'troublemakers.' When you use it, you are showing that you do not like what they are doing and that you think they are dangerous to the neighborhood.

The word 'hoodlums' refers to a group of individuals, typically young, who engage in antisocial and lawless behavior. It is a term often used to describe street gangs or groups that cause public disorder. For instance, you might hear a neighbor complain about 'hoodlums' loitering on the corner and making people feel uncomfortable. The word suggests that these individuals have a habit of breaking the law or causing trouble. It is more descriptive than 'criminals' because it specifically evokes an image of urban youth who are rebellious and disruptive. It's a common word in crime novels and local news reports.

At the B2 level, 'hoodlums' should be understood as a pejorative term for young people who participate in organized or semi-organized criminal activity. It carries a connotation of urban decay and a lack of social discipline. The term is frequently used in media and political discourse to categorize individuals who disrupt the peace through vandalism, theft, or intimidation. Unlike 'hooligans,' which is often tied to sports-related violence, 'hoodlums' is a broader term for general street-level criminality. Using this word correctly involves recognizing its negative tone and its typical association with groups rather than isolated individuals.

In advanced English, 'hoodlums' is recognized as a term that bridges the gap between sociological description and social condemnation. It describes a collective of individuals whose behavior is characterized by a blatant disregard for legal and social norms. The term often implies a certain level of group identity or gang affiliation. In literature and film, 'hoodlums' are often used as a trope to represent the 'dangerous classes' of the urban environment. When using the word, one should be aware of its historical weight and the way it can be used to marginalize specific groups. It is a powerful noun for describing the human element of public disorder and street-level crime.

At the C2 level, 'hoodlums' is understood within its full historical and sociolinguistic context. Originating in the late 19th century, the term has evolved from a specific label for San Francisco gangs into a generalized pejorative for antisocial youth. It is a term that carries significant rhetorical power, often used to justify increased policing or to express a sense of moral panic regarding urban safety. A C2 learner should be able to distinguish 'hoodlums' from more clinical terms like 'sociopathic offenders' or more culturally specific slang. The word's usage in classic 'noir' literature and its persistence in modern journalism highlight its enduring role in the English-speaking world's conceptualization of urban lawlessness.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

hoodlums en 30 segundos

Hoodlums are young criminals or troublemakers who often act in groups to cause public disorder and commit crimes.
The word is a plural noun with a strong negative connotation, frequently used in news and crime fiction.
It originated in 19th-century San Francisco and has since become a standard English term for urban street gangs.
Common synonyms include thugs, delinquents, and ruffians, though each has a slightly different nuance and context.

The term hoodlums refers to individuals, typically young men, who engage in disruptive, criminal, or violent behavior, often as part of a loosely organized group or gang. When we use this word, we are not just describing someone who broke a law; we are invoking a specific image of urban disorder and antisocial conduct. The word carries a heavy pejorative weight, suggesting a lack of respect for societal norms and a propensity for causing trouble in public spaces. Historically, the term has been used to describe street gangs that loiter in neighborhoods, engage in petty theft, vandalism, or more serious acts of intimidation. In modern English, while it might sound slightly more old-fashioned than terms like 'gangbangers' or 'thugs,' it remains a powerful way to categorize people perceived as a threat to the community's peace and safety.

Social Connotation: The word is almost exclusively negative. It implies that the individuals are not just criminals, but are also crude, unrefined, and intentionally disruptive to the social fabric. It is often used by authority figures, older generations, or concerned citizens to describe youth who seem to be out of control.
Contextual Usage: You will frequently encounter this word in news reports discussing local crime, in political speeches regarding law and order, and in literature or films set in mid-20th-century urban environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal legal terminology and informal street slang.

"The local shopkeeper complained that a group of hoodlums had been loitering outside his store, intimidating customers and spray-painting the walls."

Understanding the nuance of 'hoodlums' requires looking at the intent behind the behavior. A 'hoodlum' isn't just someone who makes a mistake; they are seen as someone who actively chooses a lifestyle of defiance. This distinction is crucial in sociological discussions where the term might be used to describe the breakdown of social cohesion in specific neighborhoods. The word also has a strong visual component; it often brings to mind images of leather jackets, dark alleys, and shadowed faces, largely due to its frequent use in the 'noir' genre of the 1940s and 50s. However, its application today is broader, covering any group of young people engaged in organized mischief or crime.

"After the game, several hoodlums were arrested for overturning cars and breaking windows in the downtown area."

Nuance vs. Thug: While 'thug' often implies brute strength and physical violence, 'hoodlum' can also encompass petty crimes, vandalism, and general rowdiness. A hoodlum might be more of a nuisance, whereas a thug is perceived as more of a physical threat.

In summary, 'hoodlums' is a plural noun used to describe a collective of young troublemakers. It suggests a pattern of behavior rather than a single incident. When you hear it, think of a group that is actively working against the peace of a community. It is a word that demands attention and usually precedes a call for increased security or social intervention. Its longevity in the English language—spanning over 150 years—shows how deeply the concept of the 'urban troublemaker' is embedded in our cultural consciousness.

"The documentary explores how these young men, once dismissed as mere hoodlums, were actually victims of a failing education system."

Using the word hoodlums correctly involves understanding its role as a plural noun that typically functions as the subject or object of actions related to crime, disruption, or social conflict. Because it describes a group, it is often paired with collective verbs or verbs that imply movement and group activity. For instance, hoodlums 'roam,' 'gather,' 'loiter,' or 'wreak havoc.' When constructing sentences, it is important to maintain the negative connotation that the word inherently carries. You wouldn't typically use 'hoodlums' to describe a group of people doing something positive unless you were using the term ironically or sarcastically.

Common Verb Pairings: Hoodlums often harass pedestrians, vandalize property, clash with police, or terrorize a neighborhood. These strong verbs match the intensity of the noun.
Adjective Modifiers: To add more detail, you might see 'hoodlums' modified by adjectives like reckless, lawless, masked, young, or violent. These words help paint a clearer picture of the specific threat being described.

"The city council is implementing a curfew to prevent hoodlums from congregating in the park after dark."

In terms of sentence structure, 'hoodlums' often appears in the 'subject' position when the sentence is describing an active crime or disturbance. For example, 'A pack of hoodlums smashed the storefront windows.' In this case, the word emphasizes the agency and intent of the group. Alternatively, it can be the 'object' of an action taken by authorities or the community: 'The police are determined to crack down on the hoodlums responsible for the recent string of robberies.' Here, the focus is on the response to their actions. It is also common to see the word used in prepositional phrases, such as 'a neighborhood plagued by hoodlums,' which highlights the ongoing nature of the problem.

"It is unfair to label all the teenagers in this area as hoodlums just because of the actions of a few."

When writing about 'hoodlums,' consider the register of your text. In a formal report, you might use 'hoodlums' to provide a descriptive edge that 'criminals' lacks. In a creative story, 'hoodlums' can help establish a gritty, urban atmosphere. However, in casual conversation, the word can sometimes sound a bit dramatic or even slightly dated, as younger speakers might use more contemporary slang. Despite this, its meaning remains universally understood across all English-speaking regions. It is a versatile word that can describe anything from a group of rowdy teenagers to a dangerous criminal gang, depending on the context provided by the rest of the sentence.

"The old man shook his cane at the hoodlums who were riding their motorcycles through his flower garden."

"Witnesses described the attackers as a group of hoodlums wearing dark hoodies and masks."

Prepositional Usage: Commonly used with 'by' (plagued by hoodlums), 'against' (the fight against hoodlums), or 'of' (a gang of hoodlums).

The word hoodlums occupies a unique space in the English lexicon, appearing in contexts ranging from gritty crime dramas to local evening news. If you are watching a classic Hollywood film from the 1950s, particularly in the 'film noir' or 'juvenile delinquent' genres, you will hear this word used constantly. It was the standard term of the era for young men who rebelled against authority. In these films, 'hoodlums' are often depicted with slicked-back hair, leather jackets, and a defiant attitude toward the law. This cinematic history has given the word a certain 'vintage' feel, yet it remains very much alive in modern discourse.

In Modern News Media: Journalists often use 'hoodlums' when they want to describe a group of criminals without necessarily using the more clinical 'suspects' or the more aggressive 'terrorists.' It provides a narrative quality to news reporting, painting a picture of a neighborhood under siege by lawless individuals.
In Political Rhetoric: Politicians campaigning on 'tough on crime' platforms frequently use the word to categorize offenders. By calling them 'hoodlums,' they emphasize the need for stricter policing and social control, framing the individuals as a clear and present danger to the 'average' citizen.

"The senator's speech focused on the 'rising tide of hoodlums' in our inner cities, calling for more funding for local police departments."

You will also hear 'hoodlums' in everyday conversation, though often with a specific tone. An older person might use it to describe a group of teenagers being loud or disrespectful in a public place, even if they aren't actually committing a crime. In this context, the word acts as a social marker, indicating a generational gap in what is considered acceptable behavior. On the other hand, in some urban communities, the word might be used with a touch of irony or even reclaimed in certain subcultures, though this is less common than with words like 'thug' or 'gangsta.'

"I don't want to walk through the subway station at this hour; there are always hoodlums hanging around the entrance."

Literature, especially crime fiction and detective novels, is another place where 'hoodlums' thrives. Authors use the word to establish the setting and the stakes. If a protagonist is 'surrounded by hoodlums,' the reader immediately understands that they are in a dangerous, lawless environment. The word helps build the world of the story without needing lengthy descriptions of each individual's background. It is a shorthand for 'danger' and 'disorder.' Furthermore, in historical accounts of cities like San Francisco or Chicago, the term is used to describe the specific gangs that operated in those areas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, giving it a factual, historical grounding.

"The history book detailed how the 'Barbary Coast' was once ruled by hoodlums who preyed on unsuspecting sailors."

Global Variations: While 'hoodlums' is primarily American in origin, it is understood throughout the English-speaking world. In the UK, you might hear 'hooligans' more often in the context of sports, but 'hoodlums' is still used for general street criminals.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word hoodlums is confusing it with other similar-sounding or related terms like 'hooligans,' 'thugs,' or even just 'hoodies.' While these words all relate to people who might cause trouble, they have distinct meanings and contexts that are important to get right. Confusing 'hoodlums' with 'hooligans' is particularly common. 'Hooligans' almost always refers to violent or destructive behavior associated with sports, especially soccer (football). If you describe a group of people who start a fight at a stadium as 'hoodlums,' people will understand you, but 'hooligans' would be the more precise and expected term.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Hoodies': A 'hoodie' is a piece of clothing (a hooded sweatshirt). In some regions, 'hoodie' has become a slang term for a young person who wears such clothing and is perceived as a troublemaker. However, 'hoodlum' is a much stronger, more established word for a criminal. Calling someone a 'hoodie' is a modern, informal stereotype; calling them a 'hoodlum' is a more serious accusation of criminal behavior.
Mistake 2: Using it for Minor Mischief: Don't use 'hoodlums' for children who are just being a little loud or playing a harmless prank. The word implies a level of criminality or genuine threat. Using it for minor issues can make you sound overly dramatic or out of touch. For small children or harmless mischief, words like 'scamps,' 'rascals,' or 'troublemakers' are much more appropriate.

"Incorrect: The five-year-olds were being little hoodlums during the birthday party. (Too strong)"
"Correct: The five-year-olds were being little rascals during the birthday party."

Another mistake is failing to recognize the plural nature of the word. While 'hoodlum' is the singular, the word is so often used in the plural that some learners forget to add the 's' when talking about a group, or they try to use it as an uncountable noun like 'trash' or 'scum.' It is a countable noun: one hoodlum, two hoodlums. Additionally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'oo' sound is like 'food,' not 'foot.' Mispronouncing it can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers.

"Incorrect: There was a lot of hoodlum in the street last night. (Used as uncountable)"
"Correct: There were many hoodlums in the street last night."

Spelling Note: Ensure you don't confuse the spelling with 'hoodlum' (singular) and 'hoodlums' (plural). Also, avoid adding an extra 'e' at the end; it is not 'hoodlumes.'

When you want to describe a group of people causing trouble, hoodlums is just one of many options. Choosing the right alternative depends on the severity of the behavior, the age of the people involved, and the specific context of the situation. For example, if you are talking about teenagers who are breaking the law, 'juvenile delinquents' is the formal, legal term. If you are talking about people who are physically violent and intimidating, 'thugs' might be more appropriate. Understanding these subtle differences will make your English sound more natural and precise.

Hoodlums vs. Hooligans: Hoodlums: General street criminals or troublemakers. Often associated with gangs and urban crime.
Hooligans: Specifically refers to people who cause trouble at sporting events or in large, rowdy crowds. It has a stronger connection to 'mob' behavior.
Hoodlums vs. Delinquents: Hoodlums: A descriptive, often judgmental term. Focuses on the negative impact on society.
Delinquents: A more clinical or legal term, usually applied to minors (juvenile delinquents). It suggests a need for rehabilitation or social work.
Hoodlums vs. Ruffians: Hoodlums: Modern (post-1870s) and urban.
Ruffians: An older, more literary term for tough, lawless men. You might find this in a historical novel or a fantasy setting.

"While the media called them hoodlums, the social worker saw them as 'at-risk youth' who needed guidance."

Other alternatives include 'miscreants' (a more formal, slightly archaic word for people who behave badly), 'punks' (very informal, often used as an insult), and 'rowdies' (people who are loud and rough but not necessarily criminal). If the group is organized and part of a larger criminal structure, 'gangsters' or 'mobsters' would be the correct terms. If they are just young people who are being annoying in a neighborhood, 'troublemakers' is a safe, neutral choice. By having this range of words at your disposal, you can tailor your language to the exact level of 'trouble' you are describing.

"The police described the group as a 'pack of thugs,' but the defense attorney argued they were merely 'misguided youths.'"

Informal Alternatives: In modern slang, you might hear 'roadmen' (UK), 'eshays' (Australia), or 'gangbangers' (US). These are highly regional and should be used with caution as they carry very specific cultural baggage.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Jerga

Dato curioso

One popular theory is that 'hoodlum' is a back-spelling of 'Muldoon,' the name of a gang leader, but most linguists believe it comes from the German dialect word 'Huddellump,' which means a 'ragamuffin' or a 'slovenly person.'

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈhuːdləmz/

US /ˈhudləmz/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: HOOD-lums.

Rima con

drums sums hums slums crumbs thumbs bums plums

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'hood' like 'good' (it should be long like 'food').
Adding an extra syllable like 'hood-el-ums'.
Confusing the 'u' sound with a long 'u' like 'lumes'.
Failing to pronounce the 's' at the end when referring to a group.
Stress on the second syllable: hood-LUMS (incorrect).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Common in news and literature, easily recognized by context.

Escritura 4/5

Requires careful use to avoid sounding dated or biased.

Expresión oral 4/5

Pronunciation of the 'oo' sound can be tricky for some learners.

Escucha 3/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

gang crime trouble group street

Aprende después

delinquent vandalism perpetrator antisocial miscreant

Avanzado

sociopathy urbanization recidivism marginalization subculture

Gramática que debes saber

Plural Nouns

One hoodlum, two hoodlums.

Collective Nouns with Plural Verbs

A group of hoodlums were (or was) seen.

Adjectives before Nouns

Violent hoodlums.

Passive Voice with 'By'

The window was broken by hoodlums.

Relative Clauses

The hoodlums who stole the car were caught.

Ejemplos por nivel

The hoodlums are bad people.

Los maleantes son malas personas.

Plural noun 'hoodlums' with the verb 'are'.

Do not go there; there are hoodlums.

No vayas allí; hay vándalos.

Using 'there are' to show existence.

The hoodlums broke the window.

Los gamberros rompieron la ventana.

Past tense verb 'broke'.

Police caught the hoodlums.

La policía atrapó a los maleantes.

Subject (Police) + Verb (caught) + Object (hoodlums).

I see five hoodlums.

Veo a cinco vándalos.

Number + plural noun.

The hoodlums ran away.

Los gamberros huyeron.

Phrasal verb 'ran away'.

Are those hoodlums?

¿Son esos maleantes?

Question form with 'Are'.

The hoodlums are loud.

Los vándalos son ruidosos.

Adjective 'loud' describing the noun.

A group of hoodlums was seen near the park.

Se vio a un grupo de vándalos cerca del parque.

Collective noun 'group of' followed by plural 'hoodlums'.

The hoodlums stole a bicycle from the garden.

Los maleantes robaron una bicicleta del jardín.

Direct object 'bicycle'.

We don't like the hoodlums in our town.

No nos gustan los gamberros de nuestro pueblo.

Negative present simple 'don't like'.

The hoodlums painted on the wall.

Los vándalos pintaron en la pared.

Preposition 'on' the wall.

Many hoodlums live in that old building.

Muchos maleantes viven en ese edificio viejo.

Quantifier 'Many'.

The hoodlums were fighting last night.

Los gamberros se estaban peleando anoche.

Past continuous 'were fighting'.

The shopkeeper is afraid of the hoodlums.

El tendero tiene miedo de los vándalos.

Adjective phrase 'afraid of'.

Those hoodlums are very young.

Esos maleantes son muy jóvenes.

Demonstrative pronoun 'Those'.

The local newspaper reported that hoodlums had vandalized the library.

El periódico local informó que unos vándalos habían destrozado la biblioteca.

Past perfect 'had vandalized' for an action before the report.

The police are trying to identify the hoodlums from the security footage.

La policía está intentando identificar a los maleantes a partir de las imágenes de seguridad.

Infinitive 'to identify' after 'trying'.

He was worried that his son was hanging out with hoodlums.

Le preocupaba que su hijo se juntara con maleantes.

Phrasal verb 'hanging out with'.

A pack of hoodlums terrorized the neighborhood for weeks.

Una banda de gamberros aterrorizó al vecindario durante semanas.

Collective noun 'pack of'.

The judge sent the hoodlums to a detention center.

El juez envió a los maleantes a un centro de detención.

Direct and indirect objects.

They were just a bunch of hoodlums with nothing better to do.

No eran más que un grupo de vándalos que no tenían nada mejor que hacer.

Informal collective 'bunch of'.

The hoodlums scattered when they heard the sirens.

Los maleantes se dispersaron cuando oyeron las sirenas.

Intransitive verb 'scattered'.

The community is working together to stop the hoodlums.

La comunidad está trabajando unida para detener a los vándalos.

Present continuous 'is working'.

The city has seen a significant increase in crimes committed by hoodlums.

La ciudad ha visto un aumento significativo de los delitos cometidos por maleantes.

Passive construction 'committed by'.

The documentary examines the social factors that turn young men into hoodlums.

El documental examina los factores sociales que convierten a los jóvenes en maleantes.

Relative clause 'that turn...'

Witnesses described the attackers as a group of masked hoodlums.

Los testigos describieron a los atacantes como un grupo de maleantes enmascarados.

Adjective 'masked' modifying 'hoodlums'.

The politician promised to clear the streets of hoodlums and drug dealers.

El político prometió limpiar las calles de maleantes y narcotraficantes.

Verb 'clear' with preposition 'of'.

Despite their tough exterior, many of these hoodlums come from broken homes.

A pesar de su exterior duro, muchos de estos maleantes proceden de hogares deshechos.

Concessive clause starting with 'Despite'.

The gang of hoodlums was responsible for the arson attack on the warehouse.

La banda de maleantes fue la responsable del ataque incendiario al almacén.

Adjective phrase 'responsible for'.

Residents are tired of having their property damaged by local hoodlums.

Los residentes están cansados de que los vándalos locales dañen sus propiedades.

Gerund 'having' in a passive-like structure.

The police launched a crackdown on the hoodlums operating in the downtown area.

La policía puso en marcha una campaña contra los maleantes que operan en el centro.

Noun 'crackdown' with preposition 'on'.

The term 'hoodlums' is often used as a catch-all descriptor for any youth perceived as a threat.

El término 'hoodlums' se utiliza a menudo como un descriptor general para cualquier joven percibido como una amenaza.

Noun phrase 'catch-all descriptor'.

Sociologists argue that labeling these youths as hoodlums only further alienates them from society.

Los sociólogos sostienen que etiquetar a estos jóvenes como maleantes no hace sino alejarlos aún más de la sociedad.

Gerund 'labeling' as the subject.

The novel portrays a city where the line between the police and the hoodlums is dangerously thin.

La novela retrata una ciudad donde la línea entre la policía y los maleantes es peligrosamente delgada.

Complex sentence with a relative clause.

The hoodlums exploited the chaos of the blackout to loot several high-end stores.

Los maleantes aprovecharon el caos del apagón para saquear varias tiendas de lujo.

Verb 'exploited' meaning to take advantage of.

Historical accounts of the 19th-century San Francisco underworld frequently mention the 'hoodlums' of the Barbary Coast.

Los relatos históricos de los bajos fondos de San Francisco en el siglo XIX mencionan con frecuencia a los 'hoodlums' de la Costa de la Berbería.

Adverb 'frequently' modifying 'mention'.

The film explores the psychological toll of being raised in an environment dominated by hoodlums.

La película explora el coste psicológico de criarse en un entorno dominado por maleantes.

Passive participle 'dominated by'.

By dismissing them as mere hoodlums, the government failed to address the root causes of the unrest.

Al descartarlos como simples maleantes, el gobierno no abordó las causas profundas de los disturbios.

Prepositional phrase 'By dismissing'.

The hoodlums operated with a level of sophistication that surprised the local authorities.

Los maleantes operaban con un nivel de sofisticación que sorprendió a las autoridades locales.

Relative clause 'that surprised...'

The pejorative 'hoodlums' serves to dehumanize the individuals, framing them solely as agents of chaos.

El peyorativo 'hoodlums' sirve para deshumanizar a los individuos, enmarcándolos únicamente como agentes del caos.

Use of 'pejorative' as a noun.

In the absence of effective social programs, the vacuum was filled by opportunistic hoodlums.

A falta de programas sociales eficaces, el vacío fue llenado por maleantes oportunistas.

Passive voice 'was filled by'.

The linguistic evolution of 'hoodlums' reflects shifting societal anxieties regarding urban youth culture.

La evolución lingüística de 'hoodlums' refleja las cambiantes ansiedades sociales respecto a la cultura juvenil urbana.

Subject-verb agreement with 'evolution' and 'reflects'.

The mayor's rhetoric about 'cleaning up the hoodlums' was criticized as a thinly veiled attack on the poor.

La retórica del alcalde sobre 'limpiar a los maleantes' fue criticada como un ataque velado contra los pobres.

Compound adjective 'thinly veiled'.

The hoodlums' hegemony over the district was finally broken by a concerted community effort.

La hegemonía de los maleantes sobre el distrito fue finalmente rota por un esfuerzo comunitario concertado.

Possessive plural 'hoodlums''.

One must distinguish between the random acts of hoodlums and the calculated strategies of organized crime syndicates.

Hay que distinguir entre los actos aleatorios de los maleantes y las estrategias calculadas de los sindicatos del crimen organizado.

Modal 'must' for necessity.

The narrative arc follows a young man's descent into the world of hoodlums and his eventual redemption.

El arco narrativo sigue el descenso de un joven al mundo de los maleantes y su eventual redención.

Noun phrase 'narrative arc'.

The sheer audacity of the hoodlums' daylight robbery left the city in a state of shock.

La pura audacia del robo a plena luz del día de los maleantes dejó a la ciudad en estado de shock.

Noun 'audacity' with possessive.

Colocaciones comunes

gang of hoodlums

local hoodlums

young hoodlums

hoodlums roaming

plagued by hoodlums

crackdown on hoodlums

hoodlums vandalizing

masked hoodlums

pack of hoodlums

violent hoodlums

Frases Comunes

A bunch of hoodlums

Neighborhood hoodlums

Street hoodlums

Teenage hoodlums

Armed hoodlums

Small-time hoodlums

A pack of hoodlums

Run with hoodlums

Terrorized by hoodlums

Hoodlums in the making

Se confunde a menudo con

hoodlums vs hooligans

Hooligans are usually associated with sports violence; hoodlums are general street criminals.

hoodlums vs thugs

Thugs implies more physical violence; hoodlums can include petty crime and vandalism.

hoodlums vs hoodies

Hoodies is a type of clothing; hoodlums is a type of person.

Modismos y expresiones

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The word 'hoodlums' is not typically part of fixed idiomatic expressions.

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Fácil de confundir

hoodlums vs Hooligans

Similar sound and meaning.

Hooligans is more common in the UK and specifically refers to sports-related trouble.

The football hooligans started a riot.

hoodlums vs Delinquents

Both refer to young troublemakers.

Delinquents is a more formal, often legal term for minors.

The juvenile delinquents were sent to a reform school.

hoodlums vs Ruffians

Both mean lawless people.

Ruffians is an older, more literary term.

The pirate was surrounded by a crew of ruffians.

hoodlums vs Miscreants

Both mean people who behave badly.

Miscreants is much more formal and can refer to any kind of bad behavior, not just street crime.

The miscreants were expelled from the university.

hoodlums vs Punks

Both are informal terms for troublemakers.

Punks is more of a general insult and can also refer to a specific music subculture.

Don't listen to those punks; they don't know anything.

Patrones de oraciones

The [hoodlums] are [adjective].

The hoodlums are bad.

I saw [hoodlums] in the [place].

I saw hoodlums in the park.

The [hoodlums] [verb-ed] the [object].

The hoodlums spray-painted the wall.

A group of [hoodlums] was responsible for [noun].

A group of hoodlums was responsible for the fire.

The [noun] was plagued by [hoodlums].

The neighborhood was plagued by hoodlums.

The rhetoric regarding [hoodlums] reflects [abstract noun].

The rhetoric regarding hoodlums reflects social anxiety.

Stop hanging out with [hoodlums].

Stop hanging out with hoodlums.

The police are cracking down on [hoodlums].

The police are cracking down on hoodlums.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Medium. It is a well-known word but not used in every conversation.

Errores comunes

Using 'hoodlum' as an uncountable noun. → Using 'hoodlums' as a plural countable noun.
You cannot say 'too much hoodlum'; you must say 'too many hoodlums.'
Confusing 'hoodlums' with 'hooligans' in a sports context. → Using 'hooligans' for sports-related violence.
While similar, 'hooligans' is the specific term for sports troublemakers.
Pronouncing the 'oo' like the 'oo' in 'foot'. → Pronouncing it like the 'oo' in 'food'.
The long 'oo' is the standard pronunciation for this word.
Calling small children 'hoodlums'. → Calling them 'rascals' or 'troublemakers'.
'Hoodlums' implies a level of criminality that is inappropriate for young children.
Spelling it 'hoodlumes'. → Spelling it 'hoodlums'.
The plural is formed by simply adding an 's' to the singular 'hoodlum.'

Consejos

Context Matters

Only use 'hoodlums' when describing actual criminal or very disruptive behavior. Using it for minor things makes you sound exaggerated.

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound more professional, use 'delinquents.' If you want to sound more descriptive, use 'hoodlums.'

The 'OO' Sound

Remember the 'oo' in hoodlums is long. Practice saying 'food' and then 'hoodlums' to get the vowel right.

Always Countable

Remember that you can count hoodlums. 'There were five hoodlums,' not 'There was much hoodlum.'

Group Dynamics

Use the word to describe the energy of a group. It’s perfect for scenes where a group is causing a disturbance.

Historical Context

Knowing the San Francisco origin can help you remember the word's connection to urban street life.

News Keywords

When listening to crime news, 'hoodlums' is a keyword that often signals a story about local gang activity.

Avoid Overuse

Because it's a strong word, don't use it too often in one conversation. It loses its impact.

Creative Writing

In stories, use 'hoodlums' to create a sense of danger in an urban setting.

Bias Check

Be careful not to use the word to describe people just based on how they look or where they live.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'hood' (neighborhood) where people wear 'hoodies' and cause 'lum' (lumps/trouble). Hood-lums.

Asociación visual

Imagine a group of people in dark hoodies spray-painting a wall in a dark alley. The 'hood' of the hoodie is the key visual link to the word.

Word Web

crime gang youth vandalism street trouble police urban

Desafío

Try to use 'hoodlums' in a sentence that describes a scene from a movie you have seen. Make sure to use it in the plural form.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'hoodlum' originated in San Francisco, California, in the early 1870s. It was first used to describe the specific street gangs of young men that were terrorizing the city at the time. The exact linguistic root is debated, but it is a uniquely American contribution to the English language.

Significado original: A member of a specific type of street gang in San Francisco.

English (American origin)

Contexto cultural

Be aware that the term can be racially coded in some contexts. Use it carefully to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Commonly used in the US, Canada, and Australia. Less frequent but understood in the UK.

The 1997 film 'Hoodlum' starring Laurence Fishburne. The 'juvenile delinquent' films of the 1950s like 'Rebel Without a Cause'. Numerous rap and hip-hop lyrics that use the term 'hood' as a derivative.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

News Reporting

alleged hoodlums
hoodlums on the loose
apprehended the hoodlums
hoodlums responsible for

Neighborhood Safety

scared of hoodlums
hoodlums loitering
protect against hoodlums
report the hoodlums

History/Sociology

rise of hoodlums
hoodlums of the era
sociology of hoodlums
labeling hoodlums

Fiction/Movies

gang of hoodlums
hoodlums in the alley
tough hoodlums
hoodlums' hideout

Legal/Police

prosecute the hoodlums
detain the hoodlums
hoodlums' criminal record
tracking the hoodlums

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever seen a group of hoodlums in your neighborhood?"

"Do you think the word 'hoodlums' is too strong for teenagers who just make noise?"

"How does your city deal with hoodlums and street crime?"

"Why do you think some young people choose to become hoodlums?"

"What is the difference between hoodlums and hooligans in your language?"

Temas para diario

Describe a scene in a fictional city where a group of hoodlums is causing trouble.

Write about a time you felt unsafe because of a group of people in public.

Discuss whether calling young people 'hoodlums' helps or hurts society.

Compare the term 'hoodlums' with other words for troublemakers in your native language.

Imagine you are a police officer writing a report about a group of hoodlums.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

While it originated as a slang term in the 1870s, it is now considered standard English, though it remains informal in some contexts. It is frequently used in newspapers and formal reports.

Yes, the singular is 'hoodlum.' However, the word is most commonly used in the plural because it often refers to group or gang activity.

A gangster is usually part of a highly organized criminal organization (like the Mafia). A hoodlum is often a younger, less organized street criminal.

It is a negative, pejorative word. While not a 'slur' in the traditional sense, it is an insult and can be used to unfairly stereotype certain groups of people.

It came from San Francisco in the 1870s. It might come from a German word for 'ragamuffin' or be a back-spelling of a gang leader's name.

In modern slang, 'hood' can be short for 'hoodlum,' but it more often refers to the 'neighborhood' itself. Context is key.

It is better to use more neutral terms like 'delinquents,' 'offenders,' or 'antisocial youth' unless you are specifically discussing the history or usage of the word itself.

Yes, it is understood, but 'hooligans' or 'thugs' are more common in British English for similar situations.

It is pronounced HOOD-lums, with a long 'oo' sound like in 'food' and a short 'u' (schwa) in the second syllable.

Common verbs include roam, loiter, vandalize, harass, attack, and congregate.