thug

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thug" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is involved in criminal activities, especially violent ones, or someone who has a rough and hostile attitude. For example: "The teenage boys were loud and disruptive, acting like thugs in the crowded restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The WikiLeaked documents that suggested the US embassy viewed Abrahamyan as a "thug" who engaged in "dirty-money politics"?

The Guardian - Film

He said thug culture was dooming 'unwanted' and 'destitute' young men and accused Ashley's band of spearheading the glamorisation of ghetto life.

The Guardian

He was the terrifying thug Begbie in Trainspotting, the psychopathic Hillsborough survivor Albie in an award-winning, three-part episode of Cracker; he played Hamish, the amiable, hash-smoking slacker cop, in Hamish Macbeth and Gaz, the downtrodden former steelworker turned stripper in The Full Monty, which made him into an international star and changed his life irrevocably.

The Guardian - Film

Although branding Giggs as "thug rap" just media-boxes him in as stereotypical troublemaker aggressively glamorising violence, pragmatic Giggs pleads guilty.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm a thug," he gamely shrugs, because according to nervous, middle-British standards that's exactly what he is, "and I rap".

The Guardian - Music

Though he denied responsibility for some of his troops' worst excesses during the American war of independence, he emerges from the history books as a careless, violent thug.

The Guardian - Film

This is classic violent male behaviour, and if Brown really identifies with such a man, none of us should be surprised that he had decided to market himself as a thug in order to win votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nationalism in many of Britain's former colonies today is the first refuge of the political scoundrel and the intellectual thug.

The Guardian - Opinion

The headline on their front page yelled: "YOU THUG".

The Guardian - Sport

In response, China's ambassador to the African Union called Mr Abe the biggest "troublemaker" in Asia and brandished photographs of Japanese wartime atrocities.China is sensitive to the charge that its oft-repeated mantra of non-interference in other countries' affairs is a cover for unstinting support for any thug who happens to be in power at the moment.

The Economist

The attack brought condemnation from media and politicians alike: the thug was seen as the outsider, not the rabbi.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "thug", consider the context and potential connotations. It can carry racial undertones, so ensure its usage is accurate and avoids perpetuating stereotypes.

Common error

Avoid using "thug" gratuitously in sensationalized news reports or commentary. Overusing it can lead to desensitization and diminish the severity of actual thuggery.

Linguistic Context

The word "thug" functions primarily as a noun, designating an individual known for violent or criminal behavior. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in news and media to describe individuals or groups engaged in unlawful activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "thug" is a common noun used to describe someone who is violent or engages in criminal activities. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the term serves to label individuals associated with lawlessness and intimidation. While its register is generally neutral, it can acquire informal or pejorative connotations depending on context. When using "thug", it's crucial to be mindful of its potential racial undertones and ensure its application is accurate to avoid perpetuating stereotypes. Alternative terms like "hoodlum" or "gangster" can be considered based on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hoodlum

Emphasizes involvement in petty crime and gang activity.

hooligan

Suggests disorderly and destructive behavior, often in a group.

gangster

Highlights membership in an organized criminal group.

ruffian

Implies a coarse and bullying nature.

bully

Highlights the act of intimidating and coercing others.

delinquent

Focuses on youth and minor offenses.

miscreant

Indicates someone who behaves badly or unlawfully.

criminal

Broadly indicates someone who commits crimes.

scoundrel

Suggests a dishonest or unscrupulous person.

outlaw

Suggests someone who lives outside the law, often romanticized.

FAQs

How can I use "thug" in a sentence?

You can use "thug" to describe someone involved in violent or criminal activities. For example, "The neighborhood was terrorized by a group of "gangsters"." Remember to consider the connotations and context.

What are some synonyms for "thug"?

Alternatives include "hoodlum", "gangster", "ruffian", or "hooligan". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "thug" in formal writing?

While "thug" is understood, it might be considered informal or pejorative in some formal contexts. Depending on the situation, consider using a more neutral term like "criminal" or "offender".

What are the potential negative connotations of the word "thug"?

The term "thug" can sometimes carry racial undertones or be used to stereotype individuals, particularly young men of color. Use it cautiously and ensure its application is accurate and justified.