The word "thug" refers to a violent person, especially someone who engages in criminal activities or uses intimidation and force to achieve their goals. Thugs are often associated with gangs and criminal organizations, and they may act as enforcers or aggressors in various illegal activities.
The term "thug" originates from the Hindi word "ठग" (ṭhag), which means "swindler" or "deceiver." It was initially used to describe a band of robbers in India known as Thugs who strangled their victims. The word made its way into English in the early 19th century during British colonial rule in India.