Words: Hooligan

Sunday 21 June 1998 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

HOW APPROPRIATE that hooligans should be in the news: this year is the centenary of the first appearance of the word hooligan.

The derivation of the word is disputed. Some say it came from an Irish family, the Houlihans, noted for their ruffianly behaviour in south-east London. Others claim it is a reference to a gang run by a chap named Hooley.

The earliest appearance of the word in print is in newspaper reports of police-court cases in 1898.

Last week, celebrations in Marseilles of the centenary of hooliganism were evidently well supported. In the week to 13 June, there were 277 articles on our newspaper database including the word hooligan, compared with only 61 the week before. Lout, thug, yob and mindless also featured prominently.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Words: Hooligan

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering