A Dictionary of Dutchness

Hangjongeren

Hangjongeren (youths who hang around) is a handy Dutch word to describe groups of teenagers who loiter on street corners and in shopping centres, often getting up to no good. In fact the word has now become synonymous with juvenile delinquency. The Netherlands has also had several incidents of nuisance caused by hangouderen – pensioners who hang around in shopping centres without buying anything and making annoying remarks to passers-by.