What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
goon
Example
The goons were hired to protect the celebrity from paparazzi. [goons: noun]
Example
He's a goon who works for the local gang. [goon: noun]
Example
Don't mess with him, he's a real goon. [goon: adjective]
thug
Example
The police arrested the thug who robbed the convenience store. [thug: noun]
Example
He's a thug who uses fear and violence to get what he wants. [thug: noun]
Example
That was a thug move, hitting someone from behind. [thug: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thug is more commonly used than goon in everyday language. Thug is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while goon is less common and often used in specific contexts such as sports or entertainment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between goon and thug?
Neither goon nor thug are formal words, and both are considered informal and colloquial in nature. However, thug is generally considered to be more informal and slangy than goon.
