mohock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ArchaicHistorical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “mohock” mean?
Historical term for a member of a group of aristocratic ruffians in early 18th-century London who engaged in violent nighttime assaults.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Historical term for a member of a group of aristocratic ruffians in early 18th-century London who engaged in violent nighttime assaults.
A brutal, violent, or disorderly person; a ruffian or hooligan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from and is almost exclusively documented in British historical sources. American usage is negligible and would only appear in discussions of British history.
Connotations
In a British context, it evokes specific early 18th-century history. Elsewhere, it's simply an obscure historical word.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern English; any usage is almost certain to be British and historical/academic.
Grammar
How to Use “mohock” in a Sentence
[Subject: person/group] + be/labelled as + a mohockThe + mohocks + [verb: terrorised, roamed, attacked]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mohock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of mohocking through the streets after dark.
- The band of youths sought to mohock unsuspecting passers‑by.
American English
- Historical accounts describe gangs that would mohock in the Georgian era.
adverb
British English
- They rampaged mohockly through the Piazza.
American English
- The group acted mohockly, with complete disregard for the law.
adjective
British English
- His mohock behaviour terrified the neighbourhood.
- They were part of a mohock gang.
American English
- The pamphlet warned of mohock activities in the city.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical studies of 18th‑century British society, crime, and literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mohock”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mohock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mohock”
- Misspelling as 'Mohawk' (a Native American nation/hairstyle).
- Using it as a contemporary term for a generic criminal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Etymologically, yes. The term was likely adopted from the name of the Mohawk people, then perceived as fearsome, to label these London gangs. However, they are distinct concepts.
It would be highly unusual and potentially confusing. The word is firmly archaic and historically specific.
It was a label used by the press and public for various groups of young aristocrats engaging in violent 'pranks', not a formal name chosen by the members themselves.
In British English, it is /ˈməʊhɒk/ (MOH-hock). In American English, it is /ˈmoʊhɑːk/ (MOH-hahk).
Historical term for a member of a group of aristocratic ruffians in early 18th-century London who engaged in violent nighttime assaults.
Mohock is usually historical / literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MOHOCK' as 'Mock' with an 'OH!' – they were nobles who shockingly mocked civil order with violence.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MOHOCK IS A SAVAGE or THE UPPER CLASS IS BRUTAL (inversion of expected aristocratic refinement).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'mohock'?