goon squad

noun

1. a group of hired thugs used to perform ruthless or violent acts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of goon squad¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist of A Visit From the Goon Squad explains each pick.

From The Daily Beast

[Laughs] I had auditioned for Biff, and everyone they liked as a runner-up became [his goon squad].

From The Daily Beast

The acclaimed author of A Visit from the Goon Squad talks about her career and offers some encouragement to young writers.

From The Daily Beast

Jennifer Egan gets an honorary Dude Lit mention for A Visit from the Goon Squad.

From The Daily Beast

A Visit From the Goon Squad is the kind of sad book that makes you feel better about being sad.

From The Daily Beast

Finally I sent a goon squad after him and dragged him to my office.

From Project Gutenberg