チンピラ
Meanings
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.
A punk was harassing passersby in front of the station.
He used to hang around with hoodlum types.
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.
The shop was pressured for protection money by a local small-time gangster.
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.
You little punk, who do you think you're talking to?
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉にチンピラに絡まれるto be harassed by a punk
I got harassed by some punks in front of the station and it was scary.
- チンピラ風の〈人〉a person who looks like a punk/thug
Some punk-looking guys were loitering in front of the shop.
- チンピラを気取るto act tough like a small-time thug
That kid is just acting like a punk; he's actually kind.
- チンピラに脅されるto be threatened by a small-time gangster
The shop owner paid up after being threatened by a small-time gangster.