nogoodnik
No-account troublemaker
A nogoodnik is a person who is no good—a troublemaker, scoundrel, or ne'er-do-well.
The word borrows the Yiddish suffix *-nik* (one associated with a thing) and attaches it to the English phrase "no good," creating a playful but pointed term of disapproval: Her brother was a nogoodnik who couldn't hold down a job.
The tone is usually more exasperated than harsh.
Habitual, pitiable bungler
- schlimazelChronically unfortunate person
- nudnikPestering, tedious person
- schnookPitiful, gullible person
- yutzInept, clueless person
nebbish · gonif · schlub · no-goodnik · klutz · noodge · schmo · kibitzer
Dishonest, unscrupulous person
- villainWicked story antagonist
- rogueDishonest or uncontrolled agent
- cadDishonorable man
- heelFoot's rear underside
rat · louse · creep · sleazeball · dirtbag · lowlife · reprobate · miscreant
Serious crime perpetrator
- crookBent implement or criminal
- gangsterCriminal organization member
- hoodlumViolent young criminal
- thugViolent criminal
racketeer · mobster · grifter · con artist · swindler · cheat · scofflaw · lowlife
Lovable troublemaker
- scampMischievous young person
- impMinor mischief-making devil
- troublemakerOne who creates discord
- scalawagAffectionate term for rogue
rapscallion · devil · hellion · prankster · scapegrace · little devil · mischief-maker · bad boy
schlemiel
Habitual, pitiable bungler
- schlimazelChronically unfortunate person
- nudnikPestering, tedious person
- schnookPitiful, gullible person
yutz · nebbish · gonif · schlub · no-goodnik · klutz · noodge · schmo · kibitzer · kvetch
scoundrel
Dishonest, unscrupulous person
heel · rat · louse · creep · sleazeball · dirtbag · lowlife · reprobate · miscreant · wretch
felon
Serious crime perpetrator
thug · racketeer · mobster · grifter · con artist · swindler · cheat · scofflaw · lowlife · hood
rascal
Lovable troublemaker
- scampMischievous young person
- impMinor mischief-making devil
- troublemakerOne who creates discord
scalawag · rapscallion · devil · hellion · prankster · scapegrace · little devil · mischief-maker · bad boy · enfant terrible
cheat
Act dishonestly to win
- swindlerPerson who deceives for money
- fraudsterCriminal deceiver for gain
- con manFraud through false trust
grifter · double-dealer · snake · deceiver · liar · crook · scammer · flimflammer · hustler · sharper
nogoodniksaint
Canonized holy person
mensch · angel · good egg · do-gooder · straight arrow
nogoodniksolid citizen
gentleman · pillar of society · lady · pillar of the community · man of honor
nogoodnikasset
Item of value owned
contributor · go-getter · hard worker · achiever · winner