Thugs: meaning, definitions and examples
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thugs
[ ΞΈΚΙ‘z ]
violent individuals
Thugs are typically defined as violent criminals or individuals who use intimidation and aggression to achieve their goals. They often operate in groups and may be associated with organized crime or gangs. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting brutality and lawlessness.
Synonyms
criminals, gangsters, hooligans, ruffians.
Examples of usage
- The city has been plagued by thugs causing havoc on the streets.
- She was threatened by a group of thugs after refusing to pay them.
- The police are cracking down on thugs involved in drug trafficking.
Etymology
The word 'thug' originates from the Hindi word 'thag,' which means 'swindler' or 'cheat.' It entered the English language in the early 19th century during the British colonial era in India, where 'Thugs' were a group of professional robbers and murderers known for their violent tactics. They were infamous for strangling their victims and robbing them, and they operated in gangs. The British authorities aimed to suppress this criminal organization, leading to the eventual banning of the Thuggee cult in the 1830s. Over time, the term evolved in English usage to refer more broadly to any violent criminal behavior, particularly that associated with gangs. Today, 'thug' often describes individuals involved in serious criminal activity that is marked by brutality and disregard for the law.