The origins of "Hooligan" are lost. The OED explains
that there are several theories and personal attestations on
its etymology, but nothing has been confirmed.
The preferred theory is that a street gang in Islington (1890
- 1900) was led by a man called "Hooley", and the police
referred to its members as "Hooligans".
Another theory dating to the same period is that it comes
from a Patrick Hooligan who worked as a "bouncer" at
various pubs and inns in London, most notably the Irish Court
and the Lamb and Flag.
Even earlier, a play "More Blunders than One", first
produced in 1824, featured an often-drunk valet called Larry
Hooligan. One theory goes that this character lent his name to
similar character types and the word "Hooligan" entered
common usage as a theatrical stereotype.
There is also an Irish word, "hooley" which means
a wild, spirited party.
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