goon
UK: ɡuːn | US: ɡuːn
n. a thug or hired ruffian, especially one employed to intimidate or harm others
n. (informal) a foolish or clumsy person
No data yet.
The word "goon" likely originated in the early 20th century, possibly from the dialectal English word "gooney," meaning a simpleton or fool. It gained its modern sense of a hired thug through pop culture, notably in the 1920s comic strip Thimble Theatre (featuring Popeye), where the "Goons" were brutish henchmen. The term was later adopted into labor union slang for strike-breakers and enforcers, solidifying its association with violence and intimidation.
The factory owner hired goons to scare away the protesting workers.
Don’t be such a goon—you spilled juice all over the table!
In the cartoon, the villain’s goons were always outwitted by the hero.
He acted like a total goon, tripping over his own feet at the party.
The gang sent their goons to collect "protection" money from local shops.