noun
young hoodlum; delinquent; punk
Derogatory slang for a rough, often young person who acts like a troublemaker or street thug; not gender-specific despite some English glosses using boy or girl.
駅前でチンピラが通行人に絡んでいた。
A punk was harassing passersby in front of the station.
彼は昔、チンピラみたいな連中とつるんでいた。
He used to hang around with hoodlum types.
noun
small-time yakuza; low-level gangster
Derogatory slang for a minor or low-ranking gangster, especially someone connected with yakuza-like intimidation but not a major figure.
店は地元のチンピラにみかじめ料を要求された。
The shop was pressured for protection money by a local small-time gangster.
noun
brat; little shit; worthless punk
A harsh insult used to belittle someone as insignificant, insolent, or low-class; stronger and more contemptuous than simply calling someone rude.
このチンピラめ、誰に口をきいているんだ。
You little punk, who do you think you're talking to?