larrikin

[lar-i-kin]

noun

1. a street rowdy; hoodlum.

adjective

1. disorderly; rowdy.

larrikin

/ ˈlærɪkɪn /

noun

1. 1. a mischievous person

   2. ( as modifier )

      a larrikin bloke

2. a hooligan

Other Word Forms

• larrikinism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of larrikin¹

First recorded in 1865–70; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of larrikin¹

C19: from English dialect: a mischievous youth

Example Sentences

Territory Day, also known as Cracker Night, is a celebration of independence in a state that has always prided itself on being a bit wilder than the rest of the country, and where residents see themselves as protectors of Australia’s larrikin spirit.

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The Queenslander is popular with fans; a modest, down-to-earth figure with endearing larrikin qualities and a game of a quality that is only very sparingly conferred by golfing gods.

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Smith, the golfer with the flowing mullet and the so-called larrikin sense of humor, has credited the never-say-die spirit of those rugby league teams as his inspiration when he needs to make a comeback.

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“The Queenslander was a larger-than-life figure who drew a widespread fan base during his peak years for not only his hard-hitting ways but his larrikin persona.”

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Pavlou described himself as a “young larrikin” who thought the election was boring and needed more excitement.

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Related Words

• criminal 
• delinquent 
• gangster 
• goon 
• hooligan 
• mobster 
• punk 
• ruffian 
• thug