thug
Thug (noun) means a violent, aggressive criminal, often acting as part of a gang. Example: “The neighborhood was terrorized by a gang of thugs.”
How to use thug
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA violent, threatening criminal.
Historically referred to a specific Indian criminal network (the Thuggee); modern English usage is broader and refers to any violent criminal.
Word forms
thugged past tense, thugs plural, thugs singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The neighborhood was terrorized by a gang of _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Hindi thag, "swindler" or "cheat," originally referring to a network of gangs in India who robbed and murdered travelers. The English sense broadened to "violent criminal" by the mid-1800s.
Related words
Rhymes for thug
See all rhymes for thug →Frequently asked questions
What does “thug” mean?
The word “thug” means a violent, aggressive criminal, often acting as part of a gang. In plain terms, a violent, threatening criminal.
How do you pronounce “thug”?
“Thug” is pronounced thuhg (/θʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “thug” in a sentence?
Here is “thug” used in a sentence: “The neighborhood was terrorized by a gang of thugs.”
What part of speech is “thug”?
“Thug” is a noun.
Where does the word “thug” come from?
The word “thug” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Hindi. Borrowed from Hindi thag, "swindler" or "cheat," originally referring to a network of gangs in India who robbed and murdered travelers. The English sense broadened to "violent criminal" by the mid-1800s.
Is “thug” a common word?
“Thug” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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