I'll buy this.
Well, sure. Thug is synonymous with "gangster". When I was young, gangsters were associated with Italian Mafiosi, and were called hoods and thugs commonly. Today "gangstas" are associated with urban street gangs, so I can see where the crossover happened. I still think its more defining of
ruthless gangs rather than
black gangs specifically. Context is indeed important.
I just don't hear much of this. Maybe its a generational thing
I think you just called me a dinosaur . . .
For the record, I have not referred to Mathieu or anybody as a thug, to my knowledge. I called him a slacker. I've seen a lot of slackers. They come in all colors.
Indeed, but such connotations are not universally recognized, amigo. It's a chink in our armor. I'm sorry, I meant Chinese gentleman.
Just remarking that I hear more of that gangsta rap "thug" usage than the one you seem to hear from old white guys who would also call Tony Soprano a thug. Perhaps I listen to NPR too much.
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