Goon: meaning, definitions and examples
👊
goon
[ ɡuːn ]
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
Examples of usage
- He sent his goons to intimidate the witness.
- The goons threatened to break his legs if he didn't pay up.
slang
In slang, a goon can also refer to a foolish or silly person.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
goon |
Often used to describe someone who is clumsy or someone who acts as a thug or hired muscle.
|
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.
|
idiot |
Used to describe someone who is extremely foolish or has low intelligence. This term is highly derogatory and can be very offensive.
|
buffoon |
Used to describe someone who is silly or behaves in a ridiculous way, often in an attempt to entertain others.
|
Examples of usage
- Don't listen to him, he's just a silly goon.
- She's always acting like a total goon.
Translations
Translations of the word "goon" in other languages:
🇵🇹 capanga
- bobo
- brutamontes
🇮🇳 गुंडा
- मूर्ख
- बदमाश
🇩🇪 Handlanger
- Dummkopf
- Schläger
🇮🇩 preman
- bodoh
- berandal
🇺🇦 головоріз
- дурень
- хуліган
🇵🇱 bandzior
- głupek
- zbir
🇯🇵 チンピラ (chinpira)
- バカ (baka)
- ごろつき (gorotsuki)
🇫🇷 brute
- idiot
- voyou
🇪🇸 matón
- tonto
- rufián
🇹🇷 kabadayı
- aptal
- haydut
🇰🇷 깡패 (kkangpae)
- 바보 (babo)
- 불량배 (bullyangbae)
🇸🇦 بلطجي
- أحمق
- سفاح
🇨🇿 násilník
- hlupák
- rváč
🇸🇰 násilník
- hlupák
- bitkár
🇨🇳 打手 (dǎshǒu)
- 笨蛋 (bèndàn)
- 流氓 (liúmáng)
🇸🇮 nasilnež
- bedak
- huligan
🇮🇸 ofbeldismaður
- fífl
- skemmdarvargur
🇰🇿 қылмыскер
- ақымақ
- бұзақы
🇬🇪 ბანდიტი
- გიჟი
- ხულიგანი
🇦🇿 qanqara
- axmaq
- dəstə başçısı
🇲🇽 matón
- tonto
- rufián
Etymology
The term 'goon' originated in the 16th century, derived from the obsolete verb 'goon', meaning 'to gaze or stare stupidly'. Over time, the word evolved to refer to a hired thug or enforcer, likely due to the intimidating nature of such individuals. In modern slang, 'goon' has also taken on a more lighthearted meaning to describe someone who is foolish or silly.
See also: forego, forgo, go, goad, gofer, going, gone, ongoing, outgoing, undergo.
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.
- ...
- 31595 confidants
- 31596 valedictory
- 31597 suavity
- 31598 goon
- 31599 scimitar
- 31600 benignly
- 31601 hazelnut
- ...