brutes and knaves and ruffians, oh my
- **Barbarian**: From Greek *barbaros*, meaning "foreigner" or "non-Greek," later adopted by the Romans to describe outsiders to the Roman Empire. Over time, it came to signify someone uncivilized or primitive.
- **Berserker**: From Old Norse *berserkr* ("bear-shirt"), referring to Viking warriors who fought in a frenzied, trance-like state. These warriors were said to channel animalistic rage in battle.
- **Brute**: From the Latin *brutus*, meaning "heavy" or "dull," this term originally referred to animals or people perceived as lacking intelligence. It has come to denote someone who is cruel or behaves in a violent, animalistic manner.
- **Hooligan**: Likely derived from the surname *Houlihan*, a common Irish name, and entered English usage in the late 19th century. It came to symbolize disorderly or violent individuals, often linked to youth or sports-related aggression.
- **Knave**: Originating from Old English *cnafa*, meaning a boy or male servant, it evolved to refer to someone of low status, often implying deceitfulness or trickery. In Middle English, it described a rogue or scoundrel.
- **Rascal**: From the Middle French *rascal*, which originally meant a lowly person or scoundrel. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who is mischievous or playful but can also imply dishonesty or deceit.
- **Ruffian**: Likely from Middle English and Old French *ruffian*, originally meaning a pimp or knave, eventually coming to refer to a violent or lawless individual who engages in criminal behavior.
- **Savage**: Derived from Latin *silvaticus* (meaning "of the woods" or "wild"), evolving into the Old French *sauvage*. It originally described people living outside of civilization and now refers to someone acting with extreme cruelty or violence.
- **Thug**: Originates from the Hindi word *thag*, referring to members of the *Thuggee* cult in India, known for robbery and murder. It now commonly describes a violent criminal.
- **Vandal**: From the *Vandals*, a Germanic tribe that sacked Rome in 455 AD, known for their destructive behavior. "Vandal" now means someone who deliberately destroys property.