Answer: In the novel "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton, when Ponyboy says that anyone in the gang can say lousy stuff about someone they don't know but they can't to someone who is a relative or friend, he is highlighting an important theme of the story: the importance of loyalty and solidarity among the members of the greaser gang.
The greasers, including Ponyboy and his friends, live in a tough, working-class neighborhood and are often at odds with the wealthier, more privileged "Socs" (short for Socials). The greasers face prejudice and discrimination from the Socs and often feel like outsiders in their own society. As a result, they have formed a close-knit group to support and protect each other.
Ponyboy's statement reflects the idea that within the gang, they may engage in teasing or making derogatory comments about people they don't know because they have a sense of unity and shared identity. It's a way for them to bond and find common ground among themselves.
However, when it comes to someone who is a relative or friend within their own gang, they refrain from saying "lousy stuff" because they understand the importance of loyalty and maintaining their tight-knit community. They rely on each other for emotional support and protection in a world where they often feel marginalized and oppressed. Criticizing or speaking negatively about a fellow greaser, who is essentially like family, would undermine their unity and solidarity.
So, Ponyboy's statement highlights the distinction between their interactions with outsiders and their commitment to supporting and protecting one another within their own group, emphasizing the significance of loyalty and friendship among the greasers.