Gang Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gang
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Definitions
criminal
A group of people, especially young people, who associate closely and often exclusively for social reasons, especially such a group engaging in delinquent behavior.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gang |
Commonly used to describe a group of people, often youths, who band together and may engage in criminal activities. Has a negative connotation.
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| crew |
Often refers to a group of people working together, especially on a ship or in a technical environment. Can also refer to any team undertaking a collaborative effort, typically without negative bias.
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| mob |
Describes a large crowd of people, often unruly and potentially violent. Can also refer to organized crime groups, especially in historical or media contexts. Usually has a negative connotation.
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| syndicate |
Refers to an association or group formed to undertake a project, especially in business or journalism. Can also imply an organized group involved in illegal activities but tends to have a more formal or business-like connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was involved in a gang that robbed banks.
- The gang was known for its violent activities.
- She decided to leave the gang and start a new life.
- The gang members were arrested by the police.
- The gang leader was sentenced to prison.
informal
A group of people who work together and share similar interests or goals.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gang |
Usually refers to a group of people, often young and involved in criminal activities or negative behavior. It has a negative connotation.
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| team |
Refers to a group of people working together towards a common goal, usually in a professional, sports, or project setting. Has a positive connotation.
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| group |
A general term for any number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together. Neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts.
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| clique |
A small, exclusive group of people who share common interests or activities. Often used to describe social exclusivity and can have a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She joined a gang of artists who painted murals together.
- The tech gang at the office always comes up with innovative ideas.
- We formed a gang to clean up the neighborhood.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sociology
- Studies show groups can often influence individual behavior, either positively or negatively.
- The dynamic within these groups can lead to a strong sense of belonging, but it can also foster aggressive behavior.
- Gang culture often emerges in youth as a response to social environments like poverty or lack of support.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, gangs are often depicted as groups of outlaws (e.g., The Warriors or West Side Story).
- Music genres like rap and hip-hop frequently reference gang life and its challenges.
- Popular games also feature gang affiliations, exploring themes of loyalty and rivalry.
Law & Order
- Many cities designate certain groups as 'gangs' to apply specific laws that address organized crime.
- Gang-related violence often leads to community challenges and increased law enforcement efforts.
- Programs aimed at gang prevention focus on education, job training, and community support.
Psychology
- Belonging to a gang can provide emotional support and identity for individuals, particularly youths.
- Peer pressure within these groups can push members towards conformity and risky behaviors.
- Psychological studies suggest that attachment to a gang may stem from a need for acceptance and security.
Origin of 'gang'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'gang' originates from the Old Norse word 'gangr', meaning 'a journey' or 'way of going'.
- Over time, it evolved to refer to a group of people traveling or acting together.
- In Middle English, 'gang' also meant 'to go', related to the concept of movement and association.
The word 'gang' originated in the late 18th century, coming from the Old English 'gang,' meaning 'a going, journey, way, passage.' Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a group of people with a common purpose or interest. In the 19th century, 'gang' started to be associated with criminal groups, particularly in urban areas. Today, the word is used to describe both criminal and non-criminal groups of people who come together for various reasons.
See also: gangster.