thugs
|thugs|
/θʌɡz/
(thug)
violent criminal
Etymology
'thug' originates from Hindi, specifically the word 'ṭhag', where 'ṭhag' meant 'swindler' or 'deceiver'.
'thug' entered English in the late 18th to early 19th centuries from the Hindi 'ṭhag', notably used to describe members of the organized gangs called 'Thuggee'; it later became the modern English word 'thug' with a shift toward meaning violent criminal.
Initially, it meant 'swindler' or 'deceiver', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'violent criminal' or 'bully'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a violent person, especially a criminal who uses force or intimidation.
A gang of thugs attacked the shop after midnight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
informal: people who use aggressive or violent methods to achieve political or business aims (e.g., hired muscle, political enforcers).
Local thugs tried to intimidate voters at the rally.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/01 18:48