What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mafioso
Example
The mafioso was arrested for his involvement in the drug trafficking ring. [mafioso: noun]
Example
The police suspect that the mafioso was behind the recent string of robberies in the area. [mafioso: adjective]
hoodlum
Example
The hoodlum was caught spray-painting graffiti on the side of the building. [hoodlum: noun]
Example
The police arrested several hoodlums who were causing a disturbance in the park. [hoodlums: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hoodlum is more commonly used than mafioso in everyday language, and it is often used to describe individuals who act alone or in small groups.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mafioso and hoodlum?
Neither mafioso nor hoodlum are formal words, and they are both considered informal and colloquial. However, mafioso may be associated with a more sophisticated and strategic tone, making it slightly more formal than hoodlum.
