ごろつき
ごろつき
noun
hooligan, thug, rogue
1.
hooligan, thug, rogue
A rough, disreputable person who causes trouble or lives by intimidation. Often used to describe street toughs or petty criminals.
ごろつきに絡まれた。
I was hassled by a thug.
町のごろつきが公園にたむろしている。
Town hooligans are loitering in the park.
あの店の前にはごろつきがいるから、気をつけたほうがいい。
There are thugs in front of that shop, so you should be careful.
ごろつき refers to a rough, disreputable person — a thug, hooligan, or street tough. It carries a strongly negative connotation.
ETYMOLOGY:
Originally from ごろごろ (rolling around idly), referring to people who loaf about without proper work or employment.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ごろつきに絡まれる: to be hassled by thugs
- 町のごろつき: town ruffians
- ごろつきのような男: a thug-like man
- ごろつきがたむろする: thugs loitering around
SIMILAR WORDS:
- チンピラ: petty thug, punk (often younger)
- やくざ: gangster, organized crime member (more serious)
- 不良: delinquent (especially youth)
REGISTER:
Somewhat old-fashioned in feel. チンピラ is more common in modern casual speech for similar meaning.