scoundrel, rascal, villain [noun] [de boef, de boe-ven]

Another word for "boef" is "schurk". The word "boef" however can
also take on the meaning of "lawbreaker". In both translations it is a
bit of an old-fashioned word but there is an expression you should know
about (see below). Also, the diminutive "boefje" can be used for
naughty, mischievous children.

Examples:

- "De Disneyfiguur "Black Pete" heet in het Nederlands "Boris Boef"." 
("The Disney character "Black Pete" is called "Boris Boef" in Dutch.")

- "Ik vraag me af wat er later van het buurjongetje terecht zal komen; hij is nu al een echt boefje." 
("I wonder what will later become of the boy next-door; he is already quite a scamp.")

Expressions:
- "Ga
(toch) boeven vangen!": literally "go catch lawbreakers/thieves/etc.",
this expression can be used by people who are fined by the police for a
(in their opinion) trivial violation of the law, and who feel that the
police should focus on the real bad guys. The ministry of Justice is
now actively asking the general public for help with finding wanted
criminals on the web site www.boevenvangen.nl .

Related words:
- Schurk: scoundrel, villain [noun] [de schurk, de schurken]. See also DWOTD Schurkenstaat.
- Politie: police [noun] [de politie, <no plural>].