noun
Uncommon
thug
thuhg
Thug (noun) means a violent, aggressive criminal, often acting as part of a gang. Example: “The neighborhood was terrorized by a gang of thugs.”
noun
1
A violent, aggressive criminal, often acting as part of a gang.
"The neighborhood was terrorized by a gang of thugs."
"Local thugs demanded protection money from shop owners."
How to use thug
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA violent, threatening criminal.
Common mistake
Historically referred to a specific Indian criminal network (the Thuggee); modern English usage is broader and refers to any violent criminal.
Common pairings
a gang of thugs
street thug
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Word forms
- Plural
- thugs
- Third person singular
- thugs
- Past tense
- thugged
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.
Class of 1800
thug joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
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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