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Goon: meaning, definitions and examples

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goon

 

[ ɡuːn ]

Noun
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

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

🇮🇳 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

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.