tearaway
B2Informal, slightly old-fashioned but still understood.
Definition
Meaning
A person who behaves in an uncontrolled, reckless, or antisocial way.
Informally refers to a wild, irresponsible, and often energetic or impulsive young person who disregards rules and conventions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. Conveys a mix of disapproval and sometimes grudging admiration for the person's energy and lack of restraint. Most commonly used for young males.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is far more common and established in British English. In American English, it is understood but used infrequently, and might sound like a Britishism.
Connotations
In BrE, it often has a mild, almost affectionate undertone despite the criticism. In AmE, if used, it sounds more directly critical and is less idiomatic.
Frequency
High frequency in UK media/press, especially tabloids, to describe delinquent youth or unruly celebrities. Low frequency in general AmE, where terms like 'delinquent', 'troublemaker', or 'wild child' are preferred.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Determiner] + tearaway + [Verb (be/become/reform)]The [adjective] tearaway [verb]...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He was a bit of a tearaway in his youth.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Potentially in HR contexts: 'He has a brilliant mind but a reputation as a bit of a tearaway.'
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation and journalism to describe unruly children or young adults: 'Our neighbour's son is a real tearaway.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He had a tearaway youth.
- The documentary followed the tearaway footballer's early career.
American English
- His tearaway antics were legendary, if ill-advised.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was a tearaway at school, always getting into trouble.
- The local tearaways damaged the bus shelter.
- Despite being a bit of a tearaway in his teens, he settled down and became a successful entrepreneur.
- The newspaper portrayed him as a reckless tearaway, but his friends knew a kinder side.
- The minister's carefully cultivated image belied his past as a political tearaway who relished upsetting the party establishment.
- The film charts the tearaway's transformation from a feckless delinquent into a responsible community leader.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a young person who TEARS AWAY from rules and good behaviour, running wild.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS AN UNCONTROLLED FORCE (tearing away from social constraints).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'tear' (cry) which is a homograph. This is 'tear' as in rip.
- Avoid direct translation like 'оторвать'. Think 'сорвиголова', 'хулиган', 'оторви-руку'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He tearawayed from the scene' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with the phrasal verb 'tear away' (to leave hastily).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'tearaway'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly yes, as it describes antisocial behaviour. However, it can sometimes carry a tone of amused or affectionate exasperation, especially when looking back at someone's past.
It is most typical for teenagers and young adults. When used for older adults, it often refers to their persistent immature behaviour or is used retrospectively about their youth.
A 'tearaway' specifically implies wild, impulsive energy and a rejection of control. A 'troublemaker' is a broader term for anyone who causes problems, not necessarily with the same connotation of frantic, uncontrolled action.
No. The word is a noun (and can be used attributively as an adjective, e.g., 'tearaway kid'). The similar-looking phrasal verb is 'tear away' (e.g., 'He tore away from the curb').