thug

Everyday

1. A thug is a violent, rough person, especially a criminal who hurts people. tree →
2. (informal) People sometimes call someone a thug if they behave in a bullying, aggressive way. tree →

In the lessons

In news, stories and police dramas, thugs are attackers, muggers or troublemakers. In sport, a player who fouls roughly may be called a thug by fans. Phrases: «a gang of thugs», «a hired thug», «act like a thug», «thuggish».

Examples

• A gang of thugs smashed the shop windows. tree →
• The newspaper called the attackers cowardly thugs. tree →
• Don't act like a thug just because you're bigger. tree →
• The thug was caught on camera and arrested. tree →
• The fans called the defender a thug after the foul. tree →
• In the film, the boss sent two thugs to frighten the shopkeeper. tree →

Note

Countable noun; a strong, insulting word. Adjective: thuggish; behaviour: thuggery. Calling a person a thug is name-calling; it is better to describe what they did.