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thug
/θʌɡ/
violent criminal
The police arrested the thug who robbed the convenience store.
The violent criminal who stole from the store was caught by police.
informal
A violent or brutal person, often involved in crime or intimidation.
Local gangs often recruit young men by portraying thugs as powerful role models.
Young men are sometimes convinced to join gangs after being shown violent criminals as role models.
The movie villain was a classic thug with a scarred face and a menacing laugh.
The antagonist in the film fit the stereotype of a violent criminal with a threatening appearance.
Historically, 'thug' referred to members of a secret cult in India who practiced robbery and murder, but the modern sense is more general.
Collocations
street thugviolent criminal active in public spacesarmed thugviolent criminal carrying a weapon
Pro Tip
Avoid stereotypes
The word 'thug' carries racial and class stereotypes. Use it carefully, especially when describing people, to avoid perpetuating harmful biases.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'thug' for violent criminals or intimidating individuals. For someone who is merely aggressive without criminal intent, consider 'bully' or 'agitator.'
Word Origin
From Hindi ठग (ṭhag), meaning 'deceiver' or 'swindler,' referring to members of a ruthless cult in India who robbed and killed travelers. The word entered English in the early 19th century through British colonial contact.
Usage Notes
While 'thug' can describe any violent criminal, it is often used colloquially to imply a lack of sophistication or intelligence. Avoid using it to describe someone who is merely assertive or strong-willed, as this may be offensive.
Word Breakdown
thug
violent criminal
rootEnglish Dictionary