bunch of thugs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of thugs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are perceived as violent or criminal in nature, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "The neighborhood was plagued by a bunch of thugs who caused trouble wherever they went."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We are not a bunch of thugs.

The Guardian

They just look like a bunch of thugs".

Independent

"I think we've got a bunch of thugs here, Dan".

The New York Times

He called the BNP "a bunch of thugs dressed up as a political party".

The Guardian

The Tigers were as vicious and totalitarian a bunch of thugs as ever adopted terrorism as a national-liberation strategy.

The Economist

For many Basques, it has evolved from a heroic resistance that killed Franco's possible successor to a bunch of thugs.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"She came out the back door, and there were a bunch of hoodlum thugs ready to do a full-blast demonstration.

The New Yorker

Swaying and gesticulating in time to the music, they looked like a bunch of thugged-out Rockettes.

The New York Times

"The beginning of my political education was when I got a good kicking from a bunch of thug coppers in the Regent Street police station in Redfern," Foley says.

The Guardian

The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy tell of a bunch of homophobic thugs who beat an innocent 15-year-old to death.

The Guardian - Music

The truth is the people of Sierra Leone were desperate for us to go in and save them from a bunch of vicious thugs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The term "bunch of thugs" is often used to express disapproval or condemnation. It is best used in contexts where such sentiment is warranted and aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bunch of thugs" as a generic descriptor for any group you dislike. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Reserve it for situations where there's clear evidence of thuggish behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of thugs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a group of people characterized as violent or criminal, as shown in Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bunch of thugs" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a group of people perceived as violent or criminal. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources and functions to express disapproval or condemnation. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, as overusing this phrase or applying it generically can diminish its impact. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "group of offenders" or "criminal organization" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of hooligans

Replaces "thugs" with "hooligans", emphasizing rowdy and disorderly behavior.

gang of criminals

Substitutes "bunch of thugs" with "gang of criminals", highlighting their involvement in illegal activities.

mob of hoodlums

Uses "mob" instead of "bunch" and "hoodlums" for "thugs", suggesting a lawless and disruptive group.

pack of ruffians

Replaces "bunch" with "pack" and "thugs" with "ruffians", conveying a sense of uncivilized and menacing behavior.

troupe of delinquents

Substitutes "bunch" with "troupe" and "thugs" with "delinquents", highlighting their rebellious and unlawful actions.

band of outlaws

Replaces "bunch of thugs" with "band of outlaws", emphasizing their criminal status and defiance of the law.

crew of gangsters

Substitutes "bunch of thugs" with "crew of gangsters", indicating organized crime and violence.

swarm of brutes

Uses "swarm" instead of "bunch" and "brutes" for "thugs", suggesting overwhelming force and brutality.

horde of aggressors

Replaces "bunch of thugs" with "horde of aggressors", highlighting their violent and hostile nature.

cluster of toughs

Substitutes "bunch" with "cluster" and "thugs" with "toughs", conveying a sense of hardened and menacing individuals.

FAQs

What does "bunch of thugs" mean?

The phrase "bunch of thugs" refers to a group of people perceived as violent, aggressive, or criminal. It's often used to express disapproval or condemnation.

How can I use "bunch of thugs" in a sentence?

You can use "bunch of thugs" to describe a group involved in violent or unlawful activities. For example: "The neighborhood was terrorized by a "bunch of thugs"."

What are some alternatives to "bunch of thugs"?

Alternatives include "group of hooligans", "gang of criminals", or "mob of hoodlums", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bunch of thugs" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "bunch of thugs" is generally considered informal and carries a strong negative connotation. It's best reserved for informal contexts or when expressing strong disapproval. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "group of offenders" or "criminal organization".