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Ruffian vs Hoodlum - What's the difference?

ruffian | hoodlum |

Hoodlum is a synonym of ruffian.



As nouns the difference between ruffian and hoodlum

is that ruffian is a scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person while hoodlum is a gangster; a hired thug.

As a verb ruffian

is to play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.

As an adjective ruffian

is brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous.

ruffian

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian ?
  • (obsolete) A pimp; a pander.
  • (obsolete) A lover; a paramour.
  • * Bishop Reynolds
  • He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians .

    Synonyms

    * rogue * scamp

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
  • (Shakespeare)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous.
  • ruffian rage
    (Webster 1913)

    Anagrams

    * ----

    hoodlum

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • a gangster; a hired thug
  • a rough or violent youth
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    References