thug is a black word for the most part. tupac adopted it and became his namesake. anyone who grew up during that era associate thug with rap and violent gangsta rap. its just how we were conditioned because of it. now youre angry because of it. thats funny shit.
Thug is an Indian word. Thuggee was an Indian network of secret fraternities who were engaged in murdering and robbing travellers and known for strangling their victims, operating from the 17th century (possibly as early as 13th century) to the 19th century. During British Imperial rule of India, many Indian words passed into common English, and in 1810 thug referred to members of these Indian gangs. The sense was adopted more generally as "ruffian, cutthroat" by 1839.
excuse me, but was I on espn's national spelling bee asking for the etymology of thug. (ie, that definition doesnt matter)
Apparently I need to get out more and start hanging with Bengal B and Red so I can start hearing the word thug used by white people addressing white people. So when are Yall going out next? I'll bring the herb. Either that or all I know is racist white people.