A violent criminal or ruffian who uses intimidation and physical force. Originally referred to members of a religious sect in India known for robbery and murder.
From Hindi 'thag' meaning 'swindler' or 'cheat', derived from Sanskrit 'sthaga' meaning 'scoundrel'. The word entered English in the early 19th century through British colonial contact with the Thuggee cult in India, then broadened to mean any violent criminal.
The journey of 'thug' from a specific religious cult in colonial India to modern slang is a fascinating example of how words can completely shed their cultural origins. What's particularly interesting is how the word has been reclaimed in hip-hop culture, transforming from a purely negative term to one that can express toughness and authenticity.
Although thug historically referred to an Indian criminal group and now broadly means a violent criminal, the term has been disproportionately applied to Black men and youth in policing and media, amplifying racial stereotypes while the same behaviors are often differently labeled when attributed to white men.
Use 'violent offender', 'criminal', or describe specific behavior rather than rely on thug as shorthand. When used, ensure it's not selectively applied to particular racial groups.
["violent offender","criminal","assailant","perpetrator"]
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