goon squad

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of goon squad

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

As if the normal makeovers on This Morning weren’t all Boohoo explosions presided over by a playsuit-clad stylist goon squad who want to scorch the earth until there is only crushed velvet left.

From The Guardian • Apr. 4, 2019

All the people in these three Lou-related stories have been mugged by the goon squad of Ms. Egan’s title.

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2010

Each narrative disorientation and subsequent reorientation reminds us of how we weave in and out of one another's lives, staying connected through memory--our shield against the goon squad.

From Time • Jun. 17, 2010

"We don't know who they are," said Rhee's propaganda directors blandly of the troublemaking goon squad.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Him and his goon squad are jerks,” Hena replies.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh