Word of the Day – Hooligan

Hooligan (noun)

hoo-li-gun

A violent young trouble maker, often the member of a gang.

Fascinating etymology, hooligan comes from the Irish surname Houlihan. In the 1890s and through to the turn of the century, Irishman Patrick Hoolihan and his family ran riot in London to such an extent that their name became synonymous with disruptive and thuggish behaviour.

Example sentences

“He’s well known for acting like a hooligan after a few drinks.”