goon
/ɡuːn/ · goo·n
noun
- A thug; a usually muscular henchman with little intelligence The nightclub owner hired a goon to intimidate the rival club's patrons.
- A fool; someone considered silly, stupid, awkward, or outlandish The goon in the comedy skit wore a bright pink wig and oversized shoes.
- An enforcer or fighter The goon squad was hired to break up the protest rally.
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Did you know? The term 'goon' gained widespread popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the context of professional wrestling, where 'goons' referred to the wrestlers' henchmen or enforcers.