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 …

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.

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

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

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.

If you refer to someone as a thug, you think they are violent or a criminal. 2 meanings: 1. a tough and violent man, esp a criminal 2. (formerly) a member of an organization of robbers and …

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

Oct 21, 2025 · thug (plural thugs) A person who is a member of a gang or criminal organization. A violent, aggressive, or truculent person. quotations

thug (θʌg) n. 1. a vicious criminal or ruffian. 2. (sometimes cap.) a member of a fraternity of professional robbers and murderers in India, suppressed by the British in the 19th century.