thuggery

USAGE SUMMARY

"thuggery" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used to describe violent or criminal behavior, particularly in a gang or organized crime context. Example: The city was plagued by increased incidents of thuggery, with reports of mugging and vandalism happening almost daily.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So too is Wael Ghonim, the Google executive whose Facebook campaign against police thuggery brought many to Tahrir Square.

The Guardian

It culminated in the Economist dedicating a notorious cover in 2000 to what it described as "the hopeless continent", claiming that across Africa "floods, famine… government-sponsored thuggery, and poverty and pestilence continue unabated".

The Guardian

Tales of criminality, thuggery, and vast amounts of cash flowing to politicians from companies, lobbyists, and middlemen are dominating the newspapers and blogosphere across central Europe.

The Guardian

The incident escalated, thanks to the ineptitude and thuggery of the security forces, into a more general anti-government movement, led by students.

The Economist

The Great Train Robbery, for all its grisly aplomb, now looks like little more than rather old-fashioned thuggery.

The Economist

Bangs and bucks Dormant accounts: a rousing dispute A question of identity Correction: British mortgage debt ReprintsThat highlights a fundamental problem for a party that is trying to portray itself as intellectually respectable, but relies on a core of members notorious for their thuggery and nuttiness.

The Economist

Ms Ypsilanti, a former stewardess from a working-class family, has pulled almost even with Mr Koch as voters' first choice for the state's top job.So he has changed the subject to teenage thuggery, a theme taken up by the CDU's national leaders.

The Economist

Thuggery, as usual The law v the state The distance between them The high price of Nigeria's oil Thabo Mbeki, micro-manager ReprintsMr Barak, unwilling to uproot all the 200,000-odd settlers in the West Bank, wants to annex three blocks of settlements close to the pre-1967 border, leaving some 50 smaller ones inside the Palestinian state.

The Economist

Thuggery, as usual The law v the state The distance between them The high price of Nigeria's oil ReprintsHeld under Egypt's 19-year-old state of emergency, Mr Ibrahim is yet to be formally charged.

The Economist

That is a significant contrast with the quiet decency of the cairn-builders, thuggery and intimidation having been a consistent feature of the separatist campaign.Two weeks from the referendum vote, the cairn was complete built to a height of nine feet, with some 230 tonnes of rock.

The Economist

Cormack had been a journalist himself, until the prime minister had spotted his talent for intellectual thuggery, fished him out of the tabloid swamp and made him his creature; Cormack's gratitude, and his loyalty, were boundless.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thuggery" when you want to specifically emphasize the violent and often organized nature of criminal behavior. Consider using synonyms like "violence" or "criminality" if the organized aspect is not relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "thuggery" to describe minor offenses or non-violent crimes. It implies a level of violence and organization that may not be present in all criminal activities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thuggery" is as a noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a concept or state of being. According to Ludwig, the term correctly describes a violent and criminal behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thuggery" is a noun that describes violent, criminal acts often associated with gangs or organized crime. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable in written English. It's primarily used in a neutral register, particularly in News & Media. Related terms include "violent crime" and "gang violence", each offering nuanced differences. When using the term, ensure it aligns with the context, avoiding its application to minor or non-violent offenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hoodlumism

Similar to "thuggery", it describes the behavior of young delinquents and criminals.

gang violence

Specifically refers to violence committed by gangs, highlighting the group dynamic.

brutality

Highlights the cruel and savage nature of the violence.

violent crime

Focuses on the violent aspect, omitting the implication of organized or gang-related activity.

organized crime

Emphasizes the organized and systematic nature of the criminal activity.

criminal acts

A more general term that encompasses a wider range of illegal behaviors, not necessarily violent.

racketeering

Focuses on extortion and other illegal business practices, often involving threats and violence.

mob rule

Suggests a situation where law and order are replaced by the will of a violent crowd.

lawlessness

Indicates a general disregard for the law and a breakdown of social order.

marauding

Implies widespread looting and plundering, often in a chaotic or uncontrolled manner.

FAQs

What does "thuggery" mean?

"Thuggery" refers to violent or brutal acts, often associated with organized crime or gangs. It describes the behavior and actions of thugs.

How to use "thuggery" in a sentence?

You can use "thuggery" to describe a specific act or a general state of lawlessness. For example, "The city was plagued by widespread thuggery" or "The politician condemned the acts of thuggery."

What can I say instead of "thuggery"?

You can use alternatives like "violent crime", "criminal acts", or "gang violence" depending on the context.

Is "thuggery" a formal or informal word?

"Thuggery" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in news reports and analytical writing.