hooligan
n. countablen. a person who behaves in a violent or rude way, especially in a group. You often hear this word when people talk about trouble at sports games or protests.
n. a person who engages in violent or disorderly conduct, typically in a group. Often carries a derogatory or pejorative tone, especially when referring to football fans or political protesters.
The hooligan was arrested for throwing stones at the police.
The stadium was cleared of hooligans before the match began to ensure the fans could watch safely.
While the term was once used to describe any rowdy youth, it has become increasingly associated with organized groups of football supporters who engage in violent hooliganism across international borders.
Probably a variant of the Irish surname Houlihan, 1890s.
Borrowed from Chinook Jargon ulakan, from Clatsop Chinook, with spelling and pronunciation influenced by the preceding.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated June 18, 2026