goon
word
/ˈɡun/
/ɡˈuːn/
Definition
A 'goon' is a violent or aggressive person, often someone hired to threaten or hurt others. It can also mean a silly or foolish person, but this use is less common.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and often used in crime or gangster contexts ('a goon for the mafia'). Sometimes playful for 'silly person' among friends. 'Goons' usually work in groups and are rarely the leaders.
Spanish: matón - gorila (mafioso)Portuguese (BR): capanga - brutamontesPortuguese (PT): capanga - brutamontesChinese (Simplified): 打手 - 暴徒Chinese (Traditional): 打手 - 暴徒Hindi: गुंडाArabic: بلطجي - أحمق (سخرية)Bengali: গুণ্ডাRussian: головорез - громилаJapanese: ごろつき - ならず者Vietnamese: tên côn đồKorean: 깡패 - 불한당Turkish: sersem - serseri - haydutUrdu: غنڈہIndonesian: preman - berandalan
Example Sentences
The boss sent his goons to scare the neighbors.
basic
A goon tried to steal my bag in the street.
basic
He acts like a goon when he gets angry.
basic
Don’t be such a goon—it was just a joke!
natural
The club hired a couple of goons to keep troublemakers out.
natural
He’s not just muscle—this goon actually has a brain.
natural