Definitions For Larrikin

Adjective

(Australian, slang) Exhibiting the characteristics or behaviour of a larrikin; playfully rebellious against and contemptuous of authority and convention.

Noun

LARRIKIN (plural LARRIKINs) (Australia, New Zealand, slang, dated) A brash and impertinent, possibly violent, troublemaker, especially a youth; a hooligan. (Australia, slang) A high-spirited person who playfully rebels against authority and conventional norms.

Derived terms

larrikinism

Etymology

Unclear. Suggested are: A corruption of larking.1875, Florence Davenport Hill, What We Saw in Australia, — The word " larrikin " is supposed to have originated in the pronunciation of an Irish policeman, who, on being asked what had caused the appearance before the magistrate of certain young offenders, accounted for it by saying “they had been ‘ larrikin ’” (larking). From {{etyl, kw, -}} larrikin ("hooligan"). From w:black country#black country dialect, black country dialect (area near birmingham, UK) larrikin ("tongue"); hence, an outspoken person.