チンピラ

ちんぴら
noun
punk, thug, hoodlum
informalperson
1. punk, thug, hoodlum
A young, low-ranking delinquent or petty criminal. Often implies someone who acts tough or intimidating but is not a serious organized crime figure.
チンピラ(から)まれた
I got hassled by some punks.
Some thugs were making a ruckus in front of the station.
He dresses like a thug, but he's actually a serious student.

Usage

チンピラ implies a low-level troublemaker, not a serious criminal or organized crime member. It carries a sense of petty intimidation — someone who picks fights, harasses passersby, or acts menacingly. The word is often used dismissively.

Register

Informal and somewhat rough. Using this word to describe someone is insulting.

Common collocations