Thug was the name given by the British in India in the 19th century to a member of a band of thieves and murderers. A thug would pretend to be friendly with a traveler and offer to share a …

Apr 30, 2015 · NPR's Melissa Block speaks to John McWhorter, associate professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, about the use of the word "thug" to describe Baltimore rioters.

Thug definition: a violent, lawless, or vicious person, especially one who commits a crime such as assault, robbery, or murder.. See examples of THUG used in a sentence.

THUG definition: 1. a man who acts violently, especially to commit a crime: 2. a man who acts violently, especially…. Learn more.

Look up thug in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Thug or THUG may refer to:

A thug is a bad guy or a bully, especially a violent one. A thug might break into someone's house, push its owners around, and steal their TV.

Aug 21, 2024 · Originally associated with violent behavior, it has transformed into a more nuanced label in contemporary slang, often reflecting cultural identity, defiance, and street credibility. The word “thug” originated from the Hindi term “thag”, meaning thief or con artist.

Jul 19, 2025 · thug (plural thugs) A person who is a member of a gang or criminal organization. A violent, aggressive, or truculent person.

Definition of thug noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

2 meanings: 1. a tough and violent man, esp a criminal 2. (formerly) a member of an organization of robbers and assassins in.... Click for more definitions.