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    What is the origin of the term 'Hooligan'?

    Question #63715. Asked by chris42. (Mar 20 06 6:09 AM)


    GoodVibe

    		I believe it stems from a misspelling of the name "Hoolihan," one of the people involved in an Irish bar fight.

    Mar 20 06, 7:34 AM
    lanfranco

    		According to the OED, the true origin of this word is unknown. It seems first to have appeared in the court and police reports in newspapers in the 1890's. One suggestion is that it may once have referred to a specific Irish gang ("Hooley's Gang"). The name showed up music hall songs also in the '90's, referring to comic Irish characters.

    Mar 20 06, 9:11 AM

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