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Goon: meaning, definitions and examples

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goon

 

[ɡuːn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal

A goon is a hired thug or enforcer, often associated with criminal activities. They are typically involved in acts of violence, intimidation, or coercion.

Synonyms

bully, enforcer, thug.

Examples of usage

  • He sent his goons to intimidate the witness.
  • The goons threatened to break his legs if he didn't pay up.
Context #2 | Noun

slang

In slang, a goon can also refer to a foolish or silly person.

Synonyms

buffoon, fool, idiot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
goon

Often used to describe someone who is clumsy or someone who acts as a thug or hired muscle.

  • The mob boss sent his goons to intimidate the witnesses
  • He acted like a goon, knocking over everything in his path
fool

Refers to someone lacking good sense or judgment, often resulting in mistakes or embarrassing situations. It can have a slightly lighter or playful tone but can also be derogatory.

  • He felt like a fool for not checking the weather before leaving
  • Only a fool would invest in such a risky scheme
idiot

Used to describe someone who is extremely foolish or has low intelligence. This term is highly derogatory and can be very offensive.

  • He called his coworker an idiot for making such a basic mistake
  • Don't be an idiot, think before you act
buffoon

Used to describe someone who is silly or behaves in a ridiculous way, often in an attempt to entertain others.

  • At the party, he played the buffoon, making everyone laugh with his antics
  • Don’t be such a buffoon, this is a serious meeting

Examples of usage

  • Don't listen to him, he's just a silly goon.
  • She's always acting like a total goon.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'goon' originally appeared around the 1930s and is believed to be derived from the term 'gooney', referring to the clumsy albatross bird.
  • It is closely associated with the comic strip character Goon, created by cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar, highlighting a goofy persona.
  • The term gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in American slang, to describe tough, unrefined men.

Pop Culture

  • In the 1993 film 'The Goonies', the term is used to emphasize a gang of misfit kids on an adventurous quest.
  • The 'goon' trope appears frequently in films and television, typically portraying characters who are either comically inept or used as muscle for antagonists.
  • In recent years, the term has also been used in gaming communities to describe players who behave in over-the-top, comedic ways.

Sports

  • In hockey, a 'goon' refers to a player known for their physicality and willingness to fight, often serving as protection for their teammates.
  • Goons are typically seen as enforcers, sometimes polarizing opinions among fans who appreciate skill versus aggression in sports.
  • The roles of goons in sports are often debated—some argue they make the game more exciting, while others believe they bring unnecessary violence.

Psychology

  • The behavior of acting like a goon can be linked to comedic relief, allowing individuals to defuse tension in social situations.
  • Goofy behavior can be a sign of social anxiety, where individuals use silliness to divert attention from their insecurities.
  • This phenomenon can be studied in terms of group dynamics, where members might adopt goon-like behavior to fit in or lighten the mood.

Literature

  • In literature, the 'goon' character often serves as comic relief or a contrasting figure to more serious protagonists.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens have employed goony characters to highlight social issues through exaggerated traits and behaviors.
  • The goon character archetype can be traced back to classic plays, where comedic figures often bridged the gap between the audience and the storyline.

Translations

Translations of the word "goon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 capanga

🇮🇳 गुंडा

🇩🇪 Handlanger

🇮🇩 preman

🇺🇦 головоріз

🇵🇱 bandzior

🇯🇵 チンピラ (chinpira)

🇫🇷 brute

🇪🇸 matón

🇹🇷 kabadayı

🇰🇷 깡패 (kkangpae)

🇸🇦 بلطجي

🇨🇿 násilník

🇸🇰 násilník

🇨🇳 打手 (dǎshǒu)

🇸🇮 nasilnež

🇮🇸 ofbeldismaður

🇰🇿 қылмыскер

🇬🇪 ბანდიტი

🇦🇿 qanqara

🇲🇽 matón

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,598 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.