What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hoodlum
Example
The police arrested the hoodlum for vandalizing public property. [hoodlum: noun]
Example
He was known to hang out with a group of hoodlums who caused trouble in the neighborhood. [hoodlums: plural noun]
ruffian
Example
The ruffian was arrested for assaulting a pedestrian on the street. [ruffian: noun]
Example
He was known to be a ruffian in school, always picking fights with other students. [ruffian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ruffian is less commonly used than hoodlum in everyday language. Hoodlum is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while ruffian is more specific and is typically used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hoodlum and ruffian?
Ruffian is typically associated with a more formal tone, while hoodlum is more casual and informal in tone.
