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hooliganism

UK[ˈhuːlɪɡənɪzəm]US[ˈhuːlɪɡənɪzəm]
n

violent or rowdy behavior by young troublemakers, typically in a gang.

n

the disruptive or destructive actions characteristic of hooligans.

Morpheme Breakdown

hooligan
ism
hooligan

ism

Etymology

the word 'hooliganism' is built upon the surname 'hooligan', which entered popular english usage in the late 19th century to refer to a member of a violent street gang. the suffix '-ism', of greek origin via latin, is a highly productive morpheme in english for forming nouns that denote a distinctive practice, doctrine, or system. thus, the compound literally means "the practice or behavior characteristic of a hooligan." the surname itself is of uncertain ultimate origin but is firmly rooted in london irish immigrant communities of the 1890s, evolving from a specific family name into a generic label for a disruptive person and finally into the abstract noun for their typical conduct.

Analysis

Structure: hooligan + ism hooligan (proper noun, from the surname hooligan) + ism (noun suffix, from greek -ισμός (-ismós), denoting a practice, system, or characteristic behavior).

Examples

the match was marred by outbreaks of hooliganism in the stands.

the new mayor promised a crackdown on vandalism and hooliganism in the city center.

the documentary explored the social causes behind football hooliganism.

hooliganism – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology