Never phrase it this way: how do you say "hooligan" and "rowdy" in Ukrainian?

More and more Ukrainians are consciously switching to the language, yet they often encounter difficulties in finding specific equivalents for familiar Russian words. For instance, instead of using the borrowed words "дебошир" and "хулиган," one can use beautiful, colorful Ukrainian terms.

Ukrainian language teacher Alexander Avramenko explained how to properly refer to such individuals. According to him, these terms are indeed frequently used by speakers, even though they are borrowed.

"We borrowed 'дебошир' from the French language and 'хулиган' from the English. However, our language has its own words to describe audacious individuals who disrupt public order, and they are just as colorful," says Alexander Avramenko.

• Бешкетник — one who causes mischief; a participant, instigator of mischief.

Бешкетники свистіли пронизливо й неприємно (Ільч., Серце жде, 1939, 147);

Впіймати бешкетника не вдалось (Донч., VI, 1957, 146);

There are also other words: шибеник, розбишака, задирака, заводіяка, шалапут, шибайголова, халамидник, паливода.

All these words are synonyms. However, each has its own nuances in meaning.

In general, language experts recommend favoring specific Ukrainian words. Borrowed terms should only be used when absolutely necessary.

"And while 'шалапут' and 'паливода' are our native words, let’s hope there are fewer occasions to use them in our lives," concluded the linguist.

Previously, "Телеграф" reported on how to appropriately refer to relatives who are not related by blood, parents, and children.